Merry & Happy

I was thinking tonight about Christmas' past. We had left my in-laws with that familiar sense of relief to be gone. Though we love them, they become more irritating with each passing day. The lectures, the "know it all" comments, the pushiness - "kids, say Aunt Melody, say Aunt Melody, come on sissy, say Aunt Melody". I don't know about sissy, but I was ready to scream. So as we drove home I pondered why our holidays never seem to reach what we expect. Do we expect too much?

I think about our childhood Christmas that I remember with fondness and wonder if the adults remember them that way too. Maybe the children are always oblivious to the irritating and drunken old fools around and just enjoy the excitement. Maybe the children tonight went home with their toys and thought it was the best Christmas ever. I hope so, but I know different.

Maybe what we want is the naivete that children have to the dynamics of family life.

Oh well, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and most of all a peaceful New Year. I know we could stand some peace in our lives so I wish it for everyone else as well.

Have a blessed holiday season.