How to Make Peace with Those Holiday Obligations
The secret to a less stressful holiday season is recognizing that you have choices.
By Blair Glaser
I come from a family who doesn’t just love food — we commune with it. It is our passion and our anchor. This is naturally why Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday, especially for my Dad. It’s important to him that I show up, live and in the flesh. Which is why, most of the time, I’m there. I’m there when I want to spend the whole long weekend holed up writing. I’m there when I get a rare invite from a local celebrity chef. I’m there when we all agree to meet at some high-end restaurant, even though I prefer the intimacy of a home. And then, every so often, I do it my way. Dad’s either very disappointed, or we figure out if there’s a way to include all of us.
I love spending Thanksgiving with my family, even though it’s a little bit of a schlep and a little bit of an obligation. Obligation is one of those words we generally react to in extremes, with respect or disdain, to be embraced or rejected. Someone who takes obligation seriously is viewed either as a good parent, partner, citizen, etc., or a wimp who has lost all sense of personal freedom and authenticity. As most things in life, there’s a middle ground — and finding yours can be a huge asset.
