Ever wonder if Jack took Christmas off, would have been better off?
Can I be honest with you? Part of me truly thinks there no escaping the hassles that surround Christmas. And for us with a mental illness it can seem even more hopeless. Let’s face it, we’d all rather pop 2 Xanax and call Santa in the morning than face another Uncle Rube and Aunt Jo story.
Then again, maybe we should give this one some more thought.
As much as we really do think Uncle Rube smells like a combination of antifreeze and Aqua Velva. And yes! Aunt Jo ALWAYS thinks our name is Betty and wonders why they would name a boy after a girl. (Thinking about that one explains the pink fuzzy slippers last year.) But as horrible as these things are, should we really pull out of family functions JUST BECAUSE they’re difficult for us to handle?
Well… After thinking some more about it, I guess the only way it makes since to ditch a family Christmas is if you had something even better and rewarding to do in its place.
So here’s a few things I have thought of that don’t really cost a lot of money (if any) and would potentially save you from Uncle Rube and Aunt Jo.
(DISCLAIMER: The owner of this blog makes no claims that the events mentioned will protect one’s life from their mother, father, brother or sister. Any bodily harm or death resulting from trying these events is the fault of the reader. Because I OBVIOUSLY DO NOT MEAN TO GO GET YOUR HEAD SHOT OFF! Understood?? Good!)
1. Volunteering for Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has a host of areas where one can volunteer. From the shelters, kitchens, watching the children or even just ringing the bell. Either way, you can be they’d love to have you there.
2. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
I did this once and it really was a life changing event. There’s something about knowing the “slop” you are pouring into bowls are probably the first hot meal that person has had in several days. And when they look up at you asking for more, you just can’t help giving up your portion.
3. House Sit for someone out of town
Granted this one takes a bit of planning. And this being almost the day before Christmas it just might be nearly impossible. But then again, people do go away and often times they leave their houses unprotected.
Think about it! What better excuse for ditching a family party than saying, “Ooo… I’m sorry I can’t. I have to watch Bill and Kate’s winter retreat.
4. Go, but feign a headache and leave early.
This one is an oldie but a goodie. The ‘ole migraine on demand. The only issue is you sometimes need to produce more than sensitivity to light. Depending on how persistent your family is you just might have to end up getting a real migraine just so you can recover from your fake one.
Not only does it have a tendency of failing, it is also something you can’t use for a while after words. And we all know that New Year’s Party is just around the corner.
So my advice is this, use sparingly and not if you’ve feigned a migraine within the last 3-4 months.
5. Tell The Truth
I heard that collective gasp, but hold up. What would actually happen if we opened up to our family and friends about our condition and explained just how overwhelming the holidays and all the parties really are!
Who knows, maybe, just maybe if we were honest with our family they would see that we’re not trying to ditch a family gathering, but genuinely take care of our own well being.
Sure, these things might be out there. But the point is this. Why worry about a holiday that has become too commercial and lost its special meaning to so many people around the world.
So maybe let’s take time remember the reason for the season and give ourselves a gift.
The gift of peace of mind, and good will towards ourselves.
About Eddie Carrington
Awesome article, Excellent picture LOL
I think it’s not too difficult for even “sane” people to go squirrel-y this time of year. I have always preferred to tuck tail and hide out until it all settles down. Especially after years in retail.
From personal experience, I believe that most people actually get more angry and miserable the closer to the Big Day it gets. This holiday is so very commercialized now that I just can’t bear to be involved in it much at all. I do my shopping online and the only time you’d see me braving holiday shopping would be on Boxing Day because the deal was *that good* haha.
Christmas music is the bane of my existance during the holidays. I do NOT like being forced to listen the same old Christmas songs (at work) over and over and over for 8 hours every single day for a month or more. You will not find me listening to Christmas music on purpose, no way! lol
That said, if I did live near my family I would definitely make an effort to put myself out there for at least a few hours. Even knowing that by doing so was a guarantee that I’d be paying for it for 2-3 days afterwards.
Family is important and no matter how hard it is to make yourself get out there, one should make the effort to spend time with those that love you. Especially the older family members, they won’t be around forever. Cherish the time you have, while you have it.
Happy Holidays to you and yours Eddie
@Shannon – I hope your holidays were happy as well.
I think you’re right. One needs to try and make the effort to spend with family members. But unfortunately there are those times when it just becomes too overwhelming.
But then again, your points are valid. And yes, even the “sane” have a difficult time around the holidays.
@Joe Bennett – Thanks! I thought Jack addd some much needed pizazz.
I think that was GREAT! Keep up with your thoughts and writing. You’re helping alot of people out there.
Your post is sooo very right on. I too worked in retail and the very thought of entering a store during the holiday brings on a real panic attack. Yet, I find myself wanting to extend my hand in some form of gift to those I love so have resorted to online shopping. No parking hassles, long lines, crowds etc. Just care to watch out for added expenses as shipping costs. I started out Christmas eve declaring that from now on we were staying home on Christmas as it was too much hassle to get ready to go with a disabled husband and my slower aging body. However, we went and had so much enjoyment, that we went back Christmas Day, and the day after. Just because family was there playing games, laughing, young children jumping with excitement over there new toys and a sense of warm filled my heart. I found out I was the “aunt Jo.” Laughed at myself and with the others. Took their puns in stride and had a great time. Now I am back to my daily funk and not going anywhere, thinking maybe we should have more Christmas Day’s. Days of laughing with family, ourselves and kids. Days of just having fun together. Days of looking at ourselves and realizing we may be Aunt Jo and giggle and go on. Good post Eddie. Especially, getting out and doing good for others. I am a fan of the Salvation Army, they do much good for many.