Family times are loads of fun, especially for the parents who set it all up. When I was a kid, I hated these things; I didn't know any of these somehow relatives, I didn't want to drive in a car for hours, and I sure didn't want to be uncomfortable for hours turning into days. But, now that I look back, I value the travel and seeing far-away places (like Colorado and Florida). Because of these trips, I have a greater sense of family and the world in general. However, these realizations didn't happen right away, and took a lot of years to actually come to my attention.
So, for the most part, these holiday gatherings are a time to play outdoor games and eat good food. If family gets in the way, just smile and behave yourself, answer whatever goofy questions are asked and move onto something else as fast as you can. Trust me, in the far future, you'll appreciate these memories. It's even possible that a little bit of fun will weasel its way into the festivities. Who knows? Maybe you'll even have fun.
As for the food, that's my job on holidays. I love cooking outside on the grill (even though I'm now using a propane grill instead of a flaming charcoal pyre of burning doom). I'll cook steak and hot dogs and sausage and chicken and anything else we can think of putting on there. It all tastes extra great from a grill. Also, it gives me a fantastic reason to be a curmudgeon and ignore everyone ... I only joke, I'm happy to talk and laugh with anyone willing to brave the flames. Heh heh.
- M
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