The Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

I was convinced I just didn’t like holidays anymore. In my mind, I equated them with all stress and no fun.

But that finally changed a year and a half ago when our family moved away from Nashville and began our conversion to living a quieter life in Fort Payne, Alabama.

Last weekend, for the first time ever, I chose to participate in decorating our family’s Christmas tree. Every year until now, I had always found something else to be doing instead. My subsconscious perceived holiday-related activities as some kind of personal attack on my sense of well-being and inner peace.

So, what has changed to make my heart grow three sizes? I figured it out. It’s because I’m not having to travel anymore for the holidays. No more having to drive three hours out of state after having worked all week, only to have to try to get kids bathed and then not be able to sleep in my own bed, using my own pillow.

It’s not really that groundbreaking of a concept, I guess: That traveling out of state makes any holiday more stressful. After all, so many classic American movies have plots based around this concept. Consider Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or Home Alone as obvious examples.

We’re all in it right now. The cliche: “The hustle and bustle of Christmas”.

Yet I feel fine. Because I am not traveling. I am sleeping in my own bed, using my own pillow.

Not only am I not feeling any kind of holiday-related stress right now, but I am specifically enjoying the holidays.

In my effort to understand why, I considered this: Why is it that my wife is drawn to Hallmark movies?

Part of it is that the plot almost always revolves around a small town and its signature traditional event associated with Christmas: A pageant, a ball, a market or festival… and it causes the two main characters to fall in love.

And where we live now, whatever the season, there is always a signature traditional event either where we live or in a nearby town. During the sunny months, our town hosts “3rd Saturday Cruise-In” where the main street shuts down for the evening, as classic car owners like my dad line up their vehicles for everyone to come check out.

In February, it’s the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Play. On the 4th of July, it’s the fireworks show in the field behind the high school.

Last weekend, it was Christmas with the Alpacas at TMMA Farms in Trion, Georgia.

This past Friday, it was the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. I find it hilarious that my California-native wife not only happily went along with the seemingly “very Alabama” idea of standing on the back of a Jeep and throwing candy and old Beanie Babies in the parade, she thought, “Why not also toss out some Ramen and oatmeal too?”…

So we did. It was equal parts ridiculous and heartwarming, as our entire family was heavily  involved with our small town’s signature traditional event.

It’s official: Now that the traveling aspect has been removed, I like the holidays. That was the problem for me all along.

I am no longer the Grinch.

 

Dear Jack: Your Sister Bought a Grinch Doll Because She Said It Looks Like You

12 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

In the aftermath of Christmas gift cards, our family recently made a trip to Barnes & Noble. Fate would have it, Mommy and I bought books; while you and your sister bought toys… of course!

For years now, I have been jokingly telling your sister she is like Cindy Lou Who each Christmas. Apparently, she agreed so much this year that she decided to spend some of her Christmas money on a stuffed animal of Cindy Lou Who, that came with a stuffed animal of The Grinch.

With no hesitation she explained to me, “I bought the Grinch because Jack makes that same face a lot!”

Love,

Daddy

 

Dear Holly: You Want a Grinch Kitchen Set for Christmas?

2 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

You have been hinting at getting your own kitchen play set for quite a while now.

It’s not uncommon for you to ask, “We go to church?”

We figured out part of your request to go to church was so that you could play with the kitchen play set in your class.

This past weekend, you reminded Mommy again about your Christmas wish:

“I get Minnie Mouse kitchen set for my Christmas? No! Grinch.”

To clarify, you were asking for a Grinch-themed kitchen set.

Who knows? Maybe that would actually sell well.

It could come with green eggs and ham, which is part of the Dr. Seuss universe.

But I’m pretty your that your chances of getting that Minnie Mouse kitchen set are much more likely.

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

4 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

Dear Jack,

We are currently living with some friends, as the closing date on our new house is about 6 weeks away now.

Karen, the wife and Mommy of the family we are renting space from, is pregnant; her baby is due right about the same time as we are supposed to move out.

Last night at dinner, you asked Mommy and me:

“How do babies get into Mommies’ bellies? From Santa?

We immediately burst out laughing, as did you.

Mommy explained that’s a conversation we’ll have with you when you’re a bit older.

Of course, it won’t be “we,” it will be me that has that talk with you. I’m not afraid. I’m as prepared now as I’ll ever be.

After I gained my composure, I think I responded with something like, “Yeah, I guess Santa does help with that.”

Granted, my answer was technically right; in the same way the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” makes sense.

Of course, I know the real reason you assumed Santa has something to do with babies getting into Mommies’ bellies.

This past weekend, we watched Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! To my surprise, I actually really loved that movie! I wouldn’t mind seeing it every Christmas. You’re at the perfect age to really appreciate a movie like that.

Dear Jack: “How Do Babies Get Into Mommies’ Bellies? From Santa?”

However, you’ll always troubled when they say “roast beast” because you always explain: “No, Daddy, it’s supposed to be ‘roast beef’!”

One of our favorite parts was when it showed the Grinch arriving at his parents’ house, riding in a basket floating down from the sky, slowed down by an umbrella which helped guide it down safely.

I think that imagery led you to believe Santa has something to do babies getting into Mommies’ bellies.

You followed up your first question by asking me if Santa is real. I cleverly replied, “Is Batman real?”

You confirmed he is.

I continued: “Well, then Batman is as real as Santa.”

And we’ll just keep it at that for now.

Love,

Daddy