No gathering is perfect. No meal is without dishes that don’t look as good. Someone makes an old favorite, and it doesn’t taste the same. Maybe a new host’s home. Just not the same as before.
Their annoying habits are still present. Seems everyone has a role. (I am the ‘Fun’ uncle.) The young will bring a nervous boyfriend/girlfriend who needs to be welcomed and judged. The not so healthy will surprise us how frail life has become.
Someone is more extreme in their politics, or make a comment either way about the President, Congress or Politics. Someone will have a long boring story about their health or too many details about the procedure. Little ones have to learn manners. Interruptions are common. Drink or dishes will spill. The tablecloth needs to be washed.
Just normal life. Let the small things go. And they are all small things.
Later you will remember these people and gatherings fondly. What ever happened to …? Remember the aunt’s pies? How about the home baked breads. When was young they were intimidating. “Its not Wonder bread.” By my teenage years looked forward to their wonderful baking.
Gatherings don’t have to be stressful. No group thinks the same or looks at the same subject the same way. If you all agreed, some of you are unnecessary. No need to convince or correct anyone. Let them have their say and be heard. Then they may listen to you or others.
Expecting perfection is the enemy of a good time. Main cause of stress.
Loving the people in the room is your way to joy. “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
“Nothing either good nor bad but thinking makes it so.” - Shakespeare
No comments:
Post a Comment