Thanksgiving is beautiful… but let’s be honest — the after-Thanksgiving part hits different.
Its over, and I am exhausted.
It’s that quiet moment when the house finally clears out and all those little thoughts you kept tucked neatly in the back of your mind finally step into the spotlight.
Suddenly, the things you couldn’t say out loud — you can now admit to yourself… and to the wine in your glass.
Sure, there was food, football, and family — but let’s be real: I’m positive my experience was very different from everyone else’s. And honestly, it had nothing to do with how long it took to cook.
A few key players in my exhaustion:
• You survived the relative nobody admits they invited.
They always show up — their only contribution is an appetite, an opinion, and three to-go plates like they bought stock in your kitchen.)
• You watched someone’s kids turn your living room into a full-contact sport.
“Kids will be kids,” yes — but lamps have feelings too. Hopefully their parents bought their wallets. Reimbursement is required.
• You kept eating long after your stomach filed an official protest.
“Just one more bite,” said the person who knew better but didn’t do better.
• You love your family — deeply — but you also kind of love when they get in their cars and those headlights finally point in a direction away from your house.
And now… we rest.
However, don’t get too comfortable. Christmas is right around the corner.
As for Christmas, there’s already a turkey waiting backstage to be the star of the dining table.
And in exactly three weeks, we’ll be running this entire emotional obstacle course all over again.
So here’s to the winter holiday season.
The place settings will be different, the color scheme will change, and the aftermath will be… let’s just say, familiar.
Deep down, a part of me is actually looking forward to it — mostly because there are gifts involved.
What can I say? I love the holidays… and maybe I love my family too.
Happy holiday season.
May your leftovers survive, your nerves recover, and your patience be stronger than Auntie Whoever’s plastic Tupperware and Ziploc game. 😅
