From the Editor
Nothing makes me laugh more than the holiday classic film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The absurdity of the Griswold’s decorating antics and their unintended consequences capture the fine line between festive enthusiasm and chaos. This year, I crossed that line.
Faced with endless mishaps and decorating plans gone awry, the film has felt especially relatable.
The morning after Thanksgiving Bob and I climbed into the attic to retrieve our Christmas decorations. He began handing me down box after box. Soon we found ourselves literally boxed in our narrow upstairs hallway so we began hauling the boxes downstairs. Then back up to the attic for more. And more!
Maybe it was too many boxes or maybe it was too much stuffing or pumpkin pie. Halfway through our unloading process, our fold-down attic steps broke.
“No problem,” said Bob. “I’ll climb up and you hand me the tools. So I did and then took off to the coffee shop for some quick refueling. Unbeknownst to me, Bob’s failed attempt at repairing the broken hinge left him trapped in the attic.
Luckily my daughter was home and heard him calling for help. She got the door open and together they “worked” on it, until the entire folding-ladder steps fell from the ceiling. They looked like Tarzan and Jane attempting to swing down from the gaping hole. Finally they got another ladder from the shed, screwed the attic shut and started looking for handyman recommendations.
Things didn’t improve from there.
When the boxes opened, chaos ensued. We were horrified to notice small droppings amongst our decorations, evidence a rodent had been rummaging through them. When my tears started rolling, Bob suggested we scale back this year. So we closed up most of the boxes and stacked them in the garage for now. Later we will try to determine what can be salvaged.
With so much difficulty this year, it made me wonder how much is too much? Most of my life, I didn’t believe there could be such a thing. I decorated the decorations, threw parties and loved every minute of it.
This year my usual holiday decorating was more than I could do. And that’s okay, I keep telling myself. The holidays are celebrated in a million different ways and each is perfect in its own way. I suppose the key is finding what works best for you and your loved ones. And knowing that if it changes some years, that’s okay too.
Going small with our decorations this year has made me more appreciative of our neighbors and all the people that decorate to the hilt! Some of the light displays and decor I see while driving through the area is stunning!
It makes me wonder if it all went smoothly for them or if they too faced tangled lights, unlit bulbs, difficult relatives, and a host of other Griswold-ish problems too. For every Griswald out there we see you and appreciate you!
As you embark on your own holiday adventures this year, try to channel your inner Clark Griswold. Embrace the joy of the season with a generous dose of humor. After all, it’s the memories we create and the laughter we share that truly make the holidays magical.
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, a touch of merriment!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
