There are all kind of hangovers, and it’s not just that last glass of Cabernet that did you in. Gratitude and good times are enjoyable, but hosting/attending a party or meal is stressful even if it is a good one. The holidays are intense and emotional, and we all at one point run out of steam. As Eddie Murphy, a la donkey in Shreck, says “as my mama used to say, it an’t Christmas ’til somebody cries.”

Most of the time I think it’s the smallest ones who end up in that department. Kid tears at Christmas are traditional as gingerbread. However I find I still have to remind myself if Christmas takes a toll on me, then The Ginger Menace is in for a whopper of a hangover.

There are  sugar-overs, late night-overs, company-overs, excitement-overs and even present-overs. I can see it coming as inevitably as the toy train running loops around the Christmas tree. At some point the too much indicator is thrown, the more-more-monster can arrive and stamp his feet when the gifts are gone, or the capacity for function reaches dangerously low levels and the kill switch is thrown. No attention span, grumps or falling asleep while standing are all possible.

Really if I feel a little ragged on Boxing Day I have to remember that The Menace, who had the same amount of stimulation as I had just in a smaller body,  has the right to be more “hung over” than me. I was grateful for a quiet holiday and now that The Menace has gotten over his jealously of The Super Sidekick Cousin, who hence forth shall be called… The Super Sidekick Cousin, Menace managed to be quite helpful while wrangling him. I am even grateful for the colds we caught as it really switched everyone down into low key until we recovered.

So today I would like to express my gratitude to movies on demand, tissue with lotion, fuzzy pyjamas, empty boxes, the amazing delivery people who make food appear at my door, dishwashers and Super Heroes (as they have climbed the ranks over dinosaurs once again!).  

I leave you now with warm wishes and parent empathy; and mom and dad, or mom and mom, or dad and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.

About the Author

Kelly Wilk is a freelance writer and single mom to red-headed, Irish, Aries boy who is growing up way too fast. Follow their adventures on PinkPlayMags' parenting blog "The Ginger Gent" , and also on Kelly's own website and blog, Brave. Creative. Me at www.kellywilk.ca