A Christmas Parody
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Christmas parody definition: A parody of Christmas is a creative work that imitates and exaggerates the themes and traditions associated with the Christmas holiday for comedic effect.
You already know that sometimes these events, like family holidays, can turn into a sort of Christmas parody. The annual get-together you looked forward to doesn’t always pan out as anticipated. Or, it turns out as expected, with a bit of turmoil.
Everywhere you go at this time of year, it’s all about Christmas. Personally, I can only take so much of the glitz and pageantry. I become weary of the often over-the-top merrymaking.
Do you feel this way? And are you worried that your holiday guests will turn the day into a Christmas parody?
Families everywhere are looking forward to a wonderful holiday with family and friends. But people are complicated creatures. And holidays often bring the worst out in families.
As planned, family members will gather at a relative’s home. And before the day is over, everything they don’t like about each other will quickly come to the surface. Relationships become strained at the best of times, but they can feel like fingernails on a chalkboard during the holiday season.
Trivial disagreements will escalate. Mix in alcohol, and the day can become downright volatile.
Please play along as I imagine what could happen.
Typical Offenders In A Christmas Day Parody:
Aunt So&So will bitch and complain to her husband in heated whispers the entire day. She always feels as though she has to do more than anyone else to make this day a time-sucking success.
Fortunately, he will be so snockered that he doesn’t hear much of what she says. He began “getting into the holiday spirit” before they left home. He thought it wise to get a head start on the alcohol on what could easily turn into a hideous day.
Great-grandma will tsk-tsk at the dozens of brightly wrapped presents for the children. This kind of elaborate display was not done in her day. Children might have gotten an orange in their stockings.
Grandpa will be found snoring in the recliner soon after his last bite of pumpkin pie. He hopes the cinnamon (which seemed just a tad too much) will not come back to haunt him in the middle of the night.
He has learned from experience that it’s safer to pretend to be asleep when things start getting tense. Because at some point during the day, someone will inevitably say something, someone else will take offense, and an argument will ensue.
The Teenagers Will Be Predictably Surly:
The hormonal teenagers in the family will be predictably irritable. However, their parents told them in no uncertain terms that they had to smile and act happy.
Mom gives them the stink eye from across the room every time she sees them roll their eyes at something someone said or did.
But for the love of Pete, they are SO tired of being hugged over and over by Great-grandma. She always smells like Bengay.
Why Can’t Mom Just Chill?
Mom will have done her best for the holiday guests. She knows she’ll be stressed and somewhat intoxicated by the time the meal is over. But it’s the only way she can get through all the drama.
She tells herself every Christmas that it will be different. Everyone will get along and feel joyous and grateful for one another. But it never seems to happen. To bolster this quickly dimming hope, she will steadily sip from a regularly topped off glass of wine.
Mom also knows that when everyone leaves her house, it will be in total disarray. She alone will be responsible for the cleanup.
She’s already gritting her teeth over the mess they’re making in her house. The stains from glasses on the surfaces of her furniture are just a tiny promise of what will come by the end of the day.
Dad will wear his Santa cap and tell jokes that fall flat. He will ho-ho-ho and try to bring cheer to the gathering.
But before long, everyone wants to throttle him to shut him up.
The Usual Suspects:
Cousin Richard, recently out on parole for something or other, will be eyeing all the expensive electronic equipment in the house.
At the same time, he’ll tell everyone who will listen that he is fully rehabilitated this time around. He might even throw in a little religion to satisfy family members that he’s now on the straight and narrow.
Great-grandpa will sit and try to figure out whose children belong to whom. Who is divorced? Are those his stepchildren? What do all of the confusing relationships mean? It’s like a Twister game. He will need a nap before long.
One thing he knows from experience is that the whole thing is a potential land mine. Someone could say something that will set off fireworks at any given moment.
He wonders if all the sharp knives and handguns are locked away.
When It’s All Over:
And when it’s all said and done, there will have been some good moments during the holiday. But there will also have been some taut-as-a-wire moments that bordered on disaster.
As they leave, some family members will mutter that this will be the last time they attend. The. Very. Last. Time.
There might or might not have been a few scuffles between those who don’t get along on a good day. Typically, a few Christmas decorations get broken.
Fortunately, no one had to be taken to the emergency room. And no one was arrested.
This time around, anyway.
Mom wants to get it over with so she can take a Calgon-take-me-away, much-deserved bubble bath. Her glass of wine will teeter dangerously on the edge of the tub as she mulls over what went wrong and who she can blame for it.
Yes, this is just a parody of what some families could experience at Christmastime. I’m sure that many will probably have a wonderful time. They will watch the usual Christmas movies and be properly thankful and happy.
Others will sigh about having survived the latest holiday. And likely swear to plan a vacation next year, far, far away from their relatives.
Christmas Parody Thoughts:
A Christmas parody takes all the familiar magic of the holiday season, its music, traditions, movies, and cheerful clichés, and flips them upside down with playful humor. It satirizes the bustling shopping crowds, the chaos of tangled lights, and the overly enthusiastic carolers who show up at the worst possible time.
Santa might be on vacation at the beach, the elves could go on strike for better working conditions, or reindeer might demand more airtime on TV.
A parody exaggerates what we already recognize about the Christmas season. There is joyful stress, nostalgic music, and sentimental movies. A parody renders it hilariously relatable.
It keeps the festive spirit but adds a wink and a chuckle, reminding us not to take the season too seriously. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate, laugh at ourselves, and enjoy Christmas from a more comedic angle.
(This was originally published on December 24, 2014. However, I decided to change it up and republish it for those needing a bit of “Christmas levity.”)
Christmas is what you make it!!! I decorate with repurposed items and have enjoyed it immensely. No big tree! Not this year and for about 10 years! I do little vignettes. We don't exchange gifts! We make donations in children's names and they do the same for us! I do understand your senario, though. We ended a family relationship after a Christmas from hell two years ago. What a relief to have calm, quiet, the fireplace and the doggies. Merry Christmas to you!!
We wish you a Merry Christmas! !
I pray a lot of "happiness".
And for the children of the world. . . .
Ryoma
This was funny / sad / funny again but I stopped by to wish you a Merry Christmas 🙂
People who think they have such wonderful families are only fooling themselves. You can't spell families without lies. Bah humbug.
Have a good Christmas day with the pups Brenda..Hugs
Oh Brenda…your Christmas parody reads like my life! That is, up until about 10 years ago, when I said, NO MORE! I had tried everything I could to try to keep the peace with my family…but it didn't work. I couldn't take the strain anymore…so I just refused to go any longer. When your family has sharp knives on the table and they try to use them for more than eating utensils and people end up sick or going to the ER…that's it!
I would see my oldest son for Holidays and special occasions, if I could get back to Wisconsin more often than I do. It's about 6 hours away. And he has never travelled here to Michigan in the 10 years I've been here. We do keep in touch – not as often as I would like – but he does surprise me.
I am so blessed to have my 3 PuppyKids…I don't know what I'd do without them.
Merry Christmas…
Hugs,
Jan ♥
Hi Brenda. Oh, honey, this is a very sad post to me. I know families aren't perfect but I've just never experienced anything like this. I'm so thrilled this year to be able to watch my little grandchildren open their gifts and spend time with my daughter and son in law. I feel your sadness and it makes me sad. You know I always wish you the best.
Blessings,
Shelia 😉
I agree!
I agree, too. I could feel her sadness coming through while reading this blog post.
There's a sad sort of cynicism that comes from being obligated, for whatever reason, to take part in holiday traditions that no longer feel authentic or meaningful.
The only comfort for those caught in the web of holiday expectations is that it will all be a distant memory by the weekend….
This is a lonely Christmas this year but that is okay, I will be glad when it is Friday back to normal. I am going to have my wine, watch movies (currently watching Meet Me in St. Louis) then "The Bishop's Wife. I am also going to do some stitching and finish my book "The Miniaturist". Merry Christmas.
I just had some eggnog. And later I will have a piece of pumpkin pie. I may pay for it all night with reflux, but I have to have a piece of pumpkin pie! I don't really get lonely. I am content alone. In fact I prefer it. Reading and good movies and some stitching sounds grand to me. Merry Christmas to you to, Gisela.
I just don't celebrate it
The whole thing started with worshipping pagans anyway
A day and a half till it's done!!
Well, it sure is far from what it I imagine it was meant to be. Which is why I hate the vast commercialism.
I never had Christmas with my cousins or extended family members. It was just us 6. I made sure my kids had the whole grandparents, aunts, and uncles and cousins experience. We have great memories and not so great memories but it always comes down to laughter and love. Here's wishing you a loving Christmas with laughter!
Laughter is the greatest gift. And I enjoy it daily.
Will you be able to visit with your youngest daughter and grandson ? No doubt about it
holidays can be happy occasions but also very stressful for many.
Gave me a snicker and a giggle – thank you, Brenda.
Merry Christmas!!!
That's what it was supposed to do. I hope people are drinking egg nog and hugging one another and all the candles are lit and the food is fantastic!
Too funny Brenda. Yes, I am over it. I am ready rip all my crap down and shove it away until next year.
It wasn't crap when I put it up and it won't be crap when I take it all out again in a year! But, I am over it.
Which I suppose is why we move our furniture around. We just get tired looking at it. I can't move much here due to space limitations. But now I'm fixated on having a boho fabric tapestry! That would definitely be different!
My childhood holidays were not that great (but better than your example thank God) so I made sure my children
had better ones. Life is a series of choices. You can always chose better. Merry Christmas everyone.
Well, that was supposed to be like the crazy movie with, who was it, Chevy Chase?
Well, the elves (at blogger) chewed up my comment again. I will just say Merry Christmas, Brenda!
Merry Christmas to you, Cheryl!
Subtract the alcohol and add Jesus and it makes all the difference in the story! Have a Merry Christmas and remember the real reason for the season!!
I don't drink personally, but I know people who couldn't get through the holidays otherwise!
I wish for you dear friend that you had had at least one happy Christmas – full of love and joy and fun. We have always had such a wonderful time during the holidays that I wish I could have shared one with you. My family lived in a small home and didn't have riches galore but we had so much fun in all of the hustle and bustle of it.
Merry Christmas!
Judy
You're a lucky woman.
Brilliant Brenda! This is exactly how I feel during the day 🙂 Especially having two teenagers who will just want to go to their rooms with a plate of food and their gadgets instead of frowning at me whispering 'how much longer do I have to sit here?!'. I hope all goes well for you. Chel x
Well, teenagers are a tough breed. All I can say is: they will grow into adults someday.
Even though you are over it…….merry christmas
Laura, when I had young kids like you, I couldn't make enough candy and bake enough sweets. But I'm tired and older now. I hand the baton to youngsters like you.
thats life in a nutshell,, some good some bad some happy some sad and on we go moment to moment…
did you mention the Reason for the Season==GREED? lol lol
me and you outta get together one Christmas- we'd have a blast and make memories to last the rest of our lives. if that day ever comes, dont forget to wear your depends cause ya know we are gonna cackle till we pee in our pants.lol
Merriest of Christmas's to You, Abby and Charlie…. Stay Calm and Laugh On
I'll remember the Depends, Sonny! Yes, we'd have a grand old time, wouldn't we?
This is a little like the Christmas story that I wrote last year with all the goings on!! Happy Christmas! xx
Send me the link! I'd love to read it.
I love the vintage pictures and am wishing you a peaceful day tomorrow. Will be thinking of you ~
Charlotte
Charlotte, I always have a peaceful day with my favorite companions, the pupsters. It will be peace and goodwill.
Wow! I'm glad it's not like that in my family. And it's never been that way. We always have wonderful Christmas's and I have many great memories. If it were anything like the above scenario, I think I would just skip the whole thing.
Which is what many would very much like to do. But there's "traditions" in families that they have a hard time saying goodbye to.
Nothing but love and laughter here. Small family and so grateful to be healthy, happy, alive and together!
Merry Christmas!
Then I am glad for your family!
I am so glad that our family is not like that!! I am hosting 27 people tomorrow in our small house. (23 at Thanksgiving) so I know this does work. I pity the poor families that can't get a long. Funny post, but sad in some ways also.
Well, it was a satiric parody after all. I just know people who have such angst for weeks before Christmas, dreading it. Dreading the fact that everyone will be on edge. I am glad many families have fun and actually get along.
Sorry You feel this way Brenda…as each year goes by and there are less and less of my family members…I treasure the Fact that I Do Have Family…good bad or otherwise. The ones who have passed on, have left me memories to treasure…even the unpleasant ones that I can look back and laugh over. As far as Christmas Everywhere…I love the sights and sounds and happy feelings that are felt and displayed from Perfect Strangers….With so much Gloom & Doom in the News on an every day basis.. There is the need for Happiness . At Christmas Eve Mass..when Finally Celebrate the True Meaning with the BirthOf Our Savior…My Heart Is Filled with Joy & Peace. Christmas is How We Choose To Celebrate it in Our Hearts. Merry Christmas Brenda.
You hit this one on the head. Be Thankful with what you have. Things can change so fast. I am also lucky to have a great family. Stressful as getting this all together is,,,I wouldn't change it for the world. Have a great Christmas. But with your take on all of this I know you will.
Eating chocolate gets old after you eat too much. I've been seeing Christmas in stores since August. I am thankful for what I have. I wouldn't want all that excess. I'm happy for those who have family, strained or otherwise, because you never know what tomorrow brings. Now when my kids were young, I went all out. We started making ornaments for the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. But as you get older, I think with some it just changes.
Thanks why we are staying home and having dinner together. Family drama is just to much to take anymore!
Best wishes to ya!
I read this wonderful post about not feeling "obliged" to doing anything you don't want to at holidays anymore. Let that be the new tradition.
Hi Brenda,
What a funny post. Yes, I'm sure there are families like that. Life is like a movie. i will be sharing this post with my children..
Joyously,
Betty
I hope yours turns out like a Donna Reed show.
I'm heading off to Christmas Eve dessert tonight with friends, and it might be a little like you describe. Love these vintage pictures you have on this post. Merry Christmas, Brenda.
Hope no one ends up in the ER!
Merry Christmas Brenda!
You too, Darrielle!