Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The Simpsons vs. Normal Rockwell Families
What does your family holiday gatherings resemble, Christmas with the Simpsons or a Norman Rockwell painting?
Mine were the Simpsons. It could be maddening at times, but if I took a step back and approached the day like I was watching a movie or a comedy at the theatre, it could be hilarious and endearing. After a while, I actually gleefully anticipated: (1) what holiday dish my mom would set on fire, (2) what uber-Christian bizarre thing foster sister Phyllis would lay on us, (3) what one of the cats would destroy, (4) who foster brother Scott would start a stupid argument with and what it would be about, (5) who got the most ridiculous and inappropriate gift, and (6) how long it would take Uncle Bill and I to get fed up with all of the above and retreat to his car for Kool-Aid and vodka.
On the other hand, my boyfriend's family does the Norman Rockwell thing. Their holiday table looks like Martha Stewart designed it. All conversation has to be polite and light or nonexistent. The children are always perfectly dressed. Gift opening is orderly and gracious. It's like being a cast member in a Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation.
Myself, I prefer holidays with the chaotic Simpsons. I love telling a good tale, and my family holidays have been fodder for colorful stories for years now.
Mine were the Simpsons. It could be maddening at times, but if I took a step back and approached the day like I was watching a movie or a comedy at the theatre, it could be hilarious and endearing. After a while, I actually gleefully anticipated: (1) what holiday dish my mom would set on fire, (2) what uber-Christian bizarre thing foster sister Phyllis would lay on us, (3) what one of the cats would destroy, (4) who foster brother Scott would start a stupid argument with and what it would be about, (5) who got the most ridiculous and inappropriate gift, and (6) how long it would take Uncle Bill and I to get fed up with all of the above and retreat to his car for Kool-Aid and vodka.
On the other hand, my boyfriend's family does the Norman Rockwell thing. Their holiday table looks like Martha Stewart designed it. All conversation has to be polite and light or nonexistent. The children are always perfectly dressed. Gift opening is orderly and gracious. It's like being a cast member in a Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation.
Myself, I prefer holidays with the chaotic Simpsons. I love telling a good tale, and my family holidays have been fodder for colorful stories for years now.
Roberta 10:18 AM