By Jen Sorensen
Eric has begun the early pre-order phase of the 2017 annual edition. You can read his full letter about it here. Or, go straight to the purchase page. (If you’re a Core Community or Backstage Pass member, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net for your discounted price.)
I don’t understand why people feel obligated to torture themselves in this way. If this is what happens at Thanksgiving family dinners, why ever go? I’ve not participated in a family Xmas dinner in many years. I don’t really see the point; and if I lived in the US and had family members who were Trump voters, I probably would cut them off.
Well, family ties — and the sense of obligation — can be very strong. But also, I think sometimes people hold out hope that “maybe this year, it will be different.”
And certainly not all people subject themselves to holiday torture; some manage to break away. Some actually really enjoy the gatherings (or most parts of the gatherings). I think it can be a very complex thing when you love people, but don’t agree with them on issues. Or when you love them, but not everyone has gone to therapy.
I’d say the cultural scripts around this holiday and Christmas are quite strong, though perhaps might be loosening a touch, depending on the individual family. But yes: many people cannot deal with the guilt involved in *not* doing the expected holiday thing, and don’t even grasp that there might be a healthier option. Being willing to endure being “ostracized from the tribe,” especially when the tribe leaders are one’s own parents (from whom one has not individualized sufficiently), seems a scary, dangerous thing to many.
Me? I’m just psyched I’ll get to play with my 11-year-old nephew, my 7-month old nephew, and their 6-year-old twin half-sisters.
Amanda, you are a shining light of loveliness in a dark and cynical world. I must admit that since the orange horror stole the election, I’ve been grumpy and irritable. I will try to cultivate a better state of mind.
I remember when my nephew was still a kid. He’s all grown up now, bless him — he’s become an awesome young man, and I get prouder of him all the time.
Love ya, Amy and Amanda!
Ha ha ha! Truly wonderful Jen.