A strong holiday tale.
Fun Fact: Olympic medalist, Ilona Maher, and I are the same height.
AND we’re both pretty strong. One of us probably a little more than the other. Maybe.
Why am I leading with this detail? Because, as a result, I’ve workhorsed many a Christmas tree.
On this particular year, my time had been reserved without my notification.
So while my roommate was awaiting my arrival excited for the seasonal kickoff holiday decorating, which included me carrying a tree home, I was on my way upstate for the weekend.
Whoops.
I returned home two days later to a cranky roommate. Who surprisingly managed to get the tree home on her own – considering she strongly resembled and was the size of Wednesday Adams. (1991 version)
Hmmmm….
AND something was off. The tree didn’t seem to be decorated quite right.
Like, all the ornaments were just on the front.
That seemed wrong. Foreshadowing.
And that night while everyone was sleeping. It happened.
I woke to a living room filled with a floor tree and rug ornaments.
So what was this situation missing?
Boundaries and balance.
Boundaries: Always important. It’s great to have holiday ideals. But when they involve other people, let’s make sure we are all on the same page.
Balance: (and counter balance) One-sided decorated tree. One sided planning. One single person running a situation that involved two.
The holidays can be stressful, especially when we are trying to meet the expectations of other. (And in this case a tiny, also secretively strong, somewhat demanding roommate.)
And when things feel like there getting out of control. I like to remember this quote: “It’s chaos. Be kind.” ~Patton Oswalt
I carry that quote with me through the holiday season and repeat to myself when others are being, ya know, unpleasant.
My buddy, Cat, made a holiday season survival guide. LINK HERE
(Check it out. There are some solid pointers in there.)
Feel free to use my fav quote or grab your own, toss in the two Bs, add that guide to the mix and you have the perfect holiday cocktail of preparedness.
This season, I hope that others respect your boundaries and that you can find balance in an often chaotic season.
Much love,
Former tree lugging roommate – Melanie