I’ve decided that this year, I’m treating Christmas exactly like Ray’s birthday party, Cynthia’s bridal shower, and Joe’s weekly Magic The Gathering night. I’m only going if I can confirm that no one I don’t want to be around is also going.
It’s honestly pretty simple. I was invited to a party happening at my childhood home the night of the 24th and morning of the 25th. I am simply waiting to RSVP (text my mom I’ll be there) until I find out if any of these people are also invited and/or going to show up: Uncle Rob, my cousin Harry, My dad, or Joe’s friend Kyle that apparently will suffocate if he doesn’t cheat in one fucking game of Magic.
I know you’re thinking “but the party isn’t about you. Suck it up and go.” Well, I once again bring up Ray’s birthday. Same rules should apply here. I barely know Jesus. I’m invited because I’m friends with people he’s friends with and we get along fine when we are together. I genuinely don’t think he cares at all if I skip the party. It won’t lessen the experience for him if I stay home and watch Pixels or play on the MTG app where you literally can’t take back a move you just made even if you ask to really fast after making it.
I feel confident Ray’s birthday would have been the exact same if I wasn’t there, with the only difference being that I don’t buy him a bottle of whiskey he’ll never drink and I’ve probably already seen Pixels. Christmas is similar in the sense that the only real difference will be that no one has to buy me a random gift card and my mom will probably cry a little.