|
|
 |
|
The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
 |
Broke Wife, Big City
What we really
want for Christmas
By Aprill Brandon
Christmas is great, isn’t it? Magical when you’re a kid. A celebration
of the beautiful life and beautiful lives you’ve created when you’re a
grandparent.
And a red and green tinged tsunami that destroys your home, your
finances and your sanity when you’re a parent.
Ah, yes, ‘tis truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Of course, don’t get me wrong. I still love Christmas. The endless
excuses to drink booze alone is enough to make any self-respecting
writer love this holiday.
I just hate that I’m the one in charge of making it happen now. The
decorating, the cooking, the gift buying, the logistics of holiday
travel…sigh. And no matter how much I bribe my toddler, he refuses to
take over the responsibility.
Is it any wonder that this time of year turns all of us parents into
stressful balls of burning rage?
So, with that in mind, I decided to create a list of what we adults of
the parental persuasion really want for Christmas this year. Because,
sure, another sweater is nice, but the ability to go into a store
without any meltdowns over a 99 cent candy bar is the gift that keeps
on giving.
And so…ahem…
Number one with a bullet: A nap.
Number two with a tomahawk: Another nap.
The ability to wrap presents without a dog or cat lying on the wrapping
paper.
The ability to wrap presents without losing the scissors every 30
seconds. Ditto the tape. And that stupid pen. IT WAS JUST HERE.
To lose 10 pounds every holiday season while still eating an entire
cheeseball on the couch as you watch “National Lampoon’s Christmas
Vacation” for the fifth time.
A working eggnog fountain (with extra bourbon) in the kitchen.
Pets and small children who consistently admire the Christmas tree from
a three foot buffer zone.
Mandatory shock collars for people who whine about the war on Christmas
and Starbucks holiday cups.
Actual snow on Christmas. And then we just fast forward to the month of
April.
That your child forgets that VERY BAD WORD they think is hilarious to
shout in public.
No lines. None. Not to buy gifts, not to see Santa, not to get
overpriced holiday-themed lattes in allegedly controversial cups.
Stabbing the Elf on a Shelf in a violent fit of rage and then burning
the carcass in a cleansing ceremonial fire without scarring your
children for life.
To hear “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” just once without someone pointing
out how creepy and rapey it is.
A worldwide shortage of batteries.
A worldwide surplus of wine.
Not getting further into debt.
Christmas tree lights with anti-tangle technology and a lifetime
guarantee for each individual bulb.
Time to read all those books you got last year as presents.
A machine that dresses your children in winter gear so they can go play
in the snow while you sip coffee and flip through a magazine.
Bags under your eyes that don’t look like you had to pay the extra
airline fee because they’re so heavy.
Socks. (Seriously, I’m out).
More time to cuddle with your kids, less time cleaning up their room
and explaining why we don’t take the marker and color all over Momma’s
unattended watch when she’s in the other room.
Old school office Christmas parties with free booze and lampshades.
Old school office Christmas bonuses.
World peace or whatever. I guess.
But mostly, a nap.
Can’t get enough of Aprill? Can’t wait until next week?
Check out her website at http://aprillbrandon.com/
|
|
|
|
