Don't Take the Holidays Too Seriously

December 18, 2012

You know, sometimes you've just had it. Maybe it was hearing White Christmas for the 10,000th time, or a particularly enthusiastic Salvation Army bell ringer. Maybe it was looking at your most recent credit card statement. Whatever the reason, about this time of year many of us are just ready for the entire holiday season to be over (No matter how much we may love Christmas and Hanukkah and New Year’s). When this happens, why not indulge in a little humor?

May I suggest The Elf Off the Shelf: a Christmas Tradition Gone Bad by Brendan O'Neill? And no, this is not the cute little book and doll to trick your child into behaving better. This parody is strictly for Mom and Dad...

Perhaps true stories about how much crazier everyone else is would be more your style? Then I would check out Santa Arrested - Story at 10: Coal-Worthy Holiday Behavior from the News by Caroline Tiger.

Or, fix yourself a beverage and read Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris. This collection includes The SantaLand Diaries, recounting his time as a Macy's store elf. But maybe Augusten Burroughs is more your style? In that case, I'd recommend You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas.

And maybe you just need to sit back next to the fireplace with the touching holiday movie, Gremlins. Whatever it takes to help get you through the season, just remember: It's almost over. That is, until next year.

Happy Holidays!

Liesl C.
Excelsior Springs Branch