MOM’S PERSPECTIVE By Cheryl Pangborn Skipping Christmas Weary over the Hoopla I somewhat regret that I cannot sincerely wish you “Merry Christmas” this year. You see, I am happy to announce that the Pangborn family is skipping Christmas. Yes, you heard it right. Call us the Kranks or Scrooge or whatever you please, but this family is opting out of the hoopla in favor of a cruise. Sure, my extended family thought this was ridiculous and my mother still can’t come to terms with the idea that she’s not getting a gift. Let me tell my story. “‘Twas the start of season, and all through my head, the panic was starting, of what was ahead!” Honestly, for the past few years the idea of tackling the Christmas routine – baking, decorating, shopping, etc., has left me like a deflated lawn blow up. I didn’t enjoy it because I really have no time. Arguing with the fam about a Christmas card picture. Putting up Christmas lights on the house and not being merry about it at all because it’s 100 degrees. At some point, all this all became a joyless chore for me. My husband and I joked last year after we exhausted ourselves and spent a fortune, that we should forget it all next year and go on a cruise. Well, I didn’t forget that and when I started to see annoying posts on Facebook announcing “Only 20 Fridays till Christmas,” it just rattled my jingle bells. So I approached the subject with the hubby: “Let’s do it. Skip Christmas and go on a cruise.” I know he didn’t trust me because in years past I’ve been the queen of decking the halls. He wanted to be reassured that I would not “jump ship” on My husband and I joked last year after we exhausted ourselves and spent a fortune, that we should forget it all next year and go on a cruise. this idea once I started to see Christmas happening all around me. The agreement: we would not be involved in any holiday related activities. No tree, no lights, no giving or receiving gifts, no cards! All financial resources would be going toward cruising. A quick family meeting and even my 15 year old was “on board.” “Oh Christmas cruise, oh Christmas cruise, how lovely are thy cabins!” At this stage in my life, it all seems so completely practical and rational to me. First, I am off the hook in finding gifts for my husband. If you remember, I was so desperate I bought him the lame and useless military sleeping bag last year! Second, my son Mason with Autism never wants anything - ever. Not toys, shoes, sports equipment. But he did love cruising. So this will be the best gift he could ever get. Last year I didn’t even resemble anything even in the neighborhood of jolly. Abominable snowman – yes. That begs the question, what’s the point if I’m doing it all just to do it? To keep up holiday appearances? I’m at a place in my life that I just don’t have the time or energy. Will I regret it as the hubbub of the season starts? Not a chance! Even now when I hear about upcoming cyber sales and see decorations in stores I’m like “sweet!” I am feeling pleased as Christmas fruitcake that I don’t have all that pressure. No, I don’t feel upset in the least, like I am missing out. Honestly, I feel sweet relief. Twas the start of the season, And finally this year, I wouldn’t approach it with dread and with fear, The family’s packed, we don’t have holiday blues, In hopes that we will enjoy this holiday cruise. And me without stress, no presents to buy I’m so holly so jolly, I just want to cry Out on the sea, skipping Christmas together, I just cannot imagine anything that could be better! I hope that no matter how you celebrate, or don’t, you will have a wonderful holiday experience! P Photo from How the Grinch Stole Christams - Universal Studios, 2000 64 DECEMBER JANUARY 2015
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