I Have Been Such a Scrooge...
One week to go until Christmas and I should be ashamed of myself. I've been stressed out about a million different things and then sick with a sinus infection and strep throat (all right!) and grumpy as hell.
For some reason, this year just doesn't feel "festive" to me. Maybe it's because I missed my work Christmas party. Maybe it's because I was so busy... Maybe.
I've been dreading this Christmas. For the first time in my life I will not be spending Christmas Eve/Christmas day with my family. Instead, I'm going to Regina to spend the holiday with the Dude's family. (And everyone he's ever met, apparently.) I thought I'd be okay with it, but I am not coping well. I am terrified. I hate meeting new people and generally go by the policy that if they don't know me, they don't like me, so I don't like them either. Welllll that might be an exaggeration, but I do hate meeting new people. Especially people that matter. God knows what I'll say or do to offend. My dad says if it doesn't go well I can just take a book and sit in the truck. I said... for 6 days???
I've been a terribly grumpy basket case about this and I'm sure I've scared the hell out of the Dude. I'm sure he's wondering why in God's name he ever thought this would be a good idea.
Today I have resolved to make this a good experience. The reason I agreed to go is because I want to make the Dude happy. (And, his mom bought me a stocking and all!) I know I will not make him happy if I am anxious and crabby and teary. Do any of you have any tips on coping with being away from family/leaving the pets for a week/meeting a zillion new people? I'd like any advice you can offer and yea, Dallas, I WILL try to imagine them naked. :-P
posted by Jenn at 9:22 AM
4 Comments:
I was terrified to meet Bryan's family the first time. I even offered to take a test at work for another girl if she would go in my place! What I found at the end, is that it was way easier than I thought it would be.
Have a few tricks up your sleeve - pictures of the cats, more pictures of your neices and nephews, stories from work etc...
Offer to help in the kitchen - that's where the party goes anyway, and if you are busy cooking or even just peeling potatoes, you won't have a chance to feel out of place.
Unless he comes from a family of crazy axe-murderers that howl at the full moon, chances are they are a pretty normal bunch, and you will have a great time.
Merry Christmas Jenn! (and Dude)
11:08 PM
I can't spell...
nieces
11:08 PM
Jenn - they will like you. You have a lot to offer. Try letting your guard down and be extra open to them. I sugguest going with a "list" of topics you are comfortable bringing up. I like to have a few "ready" topics I am comfortable talking about. Then if there is an awkard silence - I'll blurt out a question. Here are a few of mine.
- SPORTS - Do you watch NHL hockey? What are your favorite teams? (Then you can talk on the Oiler's and their recent play)
- FOOD - Is this one of your "traditional" holiday baking? Any favorite recipes? My mother usually makes... Do you usually do all the cooking? Can I help you with something? Do you have a favorite wine?
- CRAFTS - Do you like to scrapbook? Take photographs?
- FAMILY - You can ask about siblings of dude's parents. Often parents (and grandparents)love to talk about how and where they grew up. Did you grow up in Regina? How many sisters and brothers do you have? Were you close in age? Was it fun growing up.....
Just take a genuine interest in them,their lives, and what makes them happy. If you show that you are compassionate and interessted, they'll have no reason not to like you! If you are feeling sharp and grumpy, that is when I just keep my mouth closed by drinking wine...continuously sipping and smiling in between each sip. If someone asks why I am smiling, I simply state that I am enjoying my glass of wine!!!
And if all else fails - imagine them all NAKED!!! ROFL!!!
8:29 AM
but don't drink too much wine - or you might just say exactly what is on your mind.
I would definitely recommend asking if you can help out in the kitchen. It's a good way to get to know people and as a bonus - you'll score some extra brownie points. Trust me - parents notice those things!
Have fun!
5:21 PM
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