Low-Key Christmas Miracles

If you read last week’s blog, then you already know that my Grinch-like ways rule the Tarr roost during the holidays, and this year was no different. I didn’t buy a tree or hang stockings. I didn’t set up a manger or display festive lights outside. I didn’t even cook. I did, however, buy presents and travel to Long Island to spend time with family. It was a quick, 24-hour trip, but it was filled with Christmas miracles. Small, low-key Christmas miracles, but miracles all the same.

Miracle #1: No traffic

There is ALWAYS traffic on the drive to my parents house. Even if I cruise up I-95 without any issues, getting through Staten Island and Brooklyn is usually a real shitshow. Congestion, potholes, bad drivers, and no rest stops/bathrooms make this my worst driving nightmare. But on both December 24 and again on December 25 — nothing! The roads weren’t empty, but I made record time both ways. It was truly a Christmas miracle.

Miracle #2: No COVID

Earlier in the week, my oldest spent a few days galavanting around NYC with his high school buddies and was probably exposed to COVID, among other things. Then, on December 23, my brother-in-law learned he was also exposed to COVID. Thankfully, both tested negative, and with our masks on and the doors and windows open, we were still able to safely spend time together, enjoy a delicious brunch (thanks to my fabulous sister), and have lots of fun. Having everyone healthy, especially during a pandemic, is truly a Christmas miracle (and the biggest, most important one, at that).

Miracle #3: No anxiety

If you know me IRL or read this blog regularly, you know I’m very open about my (many, many) issues, including my anxiety. During the holiday season, that anxiety is usually in overdrive and the overwhelm turns me into both a hot mess and a bitch. But this year, by setting the bar super low, my anxiety wasn’t that bad. I still had my moments, but they didn’t rule the day. I call that a win — and yes, a Christmas miracle, too.

Miracle #4: A new tradition

TikTok gets a bad rap as a mindless distraction, but it was the source of our new family tradition: Present Pong. Think beer pong, but with numbered cups and no beer. Land the ball in any cup and score that many points. Winner got bragging rights, and all five boys won a decent amount of cash. It was brilliant! We had a lot of laughs trash talking the kids while they played. Definitely more fun than just watching them open gift cards. [After all, high schoolers and college kids only want cash, so why not make them earn it?] I’m calling this a Christmas miracle because not only did we find a new tradition after I swore off all holiday traditions, but the boys actually enjoyed this, and so did the adults.

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Overall, lowering the bar for Christmas expectations was the real Christmas miracle for me. As a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser, that’s always been a challenge. But now I see how it truly is the key to unlocking the real joy of the season. My goal is to make that a new holiday tradition, too.

-LJDT