Visiting my extended relatives’ for Christmas Eve dinner, a tradition I find especially agonizing during the holiday season, makes me feel that I am reliving the opening scenes from “Home Alone.”
My criticizing aunt’s disapproving comments on everyone’s seemingly enlarged waistline and my brittle little hunchback uncle’s ghostly presence can damper my Christmas cheer. I go to these lively reunions because my family would impart an epic guilt trip on me otherwise. Nevertheless, despite having loathed the traditional holiday family reunion, I have learned to respect the custom and maintain a sense of humor about it.
In the 1990 Christmas movie “Home Alone,” Kevin, the unappreciated little brother, angrily tells his mother he wishes his family would disappear. The following day, fate steps in and he discovers his family has apparently vanished. Like Kevin, we can dwell on our family’s individual dysfunctions but ultimately that makes us scrooges.
During the holiday season take note of all the blessings you have in a family. Remember your rebellious teenage years? Thankfully, your parents and relatives accommodated you during those obnoxious times. How about Nana’s delicious snickerdoodle cookies, Uncle James’ fat dance that always makes you laugh, or the random nicknames you call your crazy aunt Lola that only your cousins know about? Remember, like it or not, you are a product of your family and all of its uniqueness.
My family has taught me laughing at your misfortunes makes unpleasant situations tolerable. So this holiday season, “embrace the suck.” Learn to love the peculiarities. Your family is yours and regardless of how outspoken or candid they may be, they love you.