Backstory: My mother sent this to my father, my brother and sister and me under the subject IMPORTANT: READ NOW. We never have christmas with her family because it’s too insane (hence the weirdness), and my grandmother has like 50 cats (hence the smells). But she’s decided that she will have christmas with them this year, with or without her children and husband.
Morning, everybody. This is the mother speaking. Do not delete.
This year, for the first time in 22 years, I would like Christmas to be in DC. You all know why: [your uncle] will have [your cousins] and of course he wants them to have a fun time with family. I know all of you would rather be here but that’s not the issue. I’m going to DC and I would love to have everybody there, but I don’t want anybody to go who’s going to be acting like a sullen asshole, or constantly complaining, etc. I’m going, please come, but if you come you must be there to participate and have a good time regardless of whatever weirdness or smells you might encounter.
Aw, poor mom! 22 years and no one’s gone to her family’s Christmas? That’s depressing. I know that I’d rather not go to my father’s side of the family for Christmas because there’s a lot of weirdness there too, but I do because it makes my grandfather happy.
Besides, one day won’t kill you (despite what the smells seem to tell you.)
November 22, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Did your mom use the little exclamation point and rate the message as important or deliver first or whatever the option is, too? My adviser loves to send out emails whose titles begin IMPORTANT and are rated priority, and while they’ve never been about holidays they do ramble like this….
How are the uncle and cousins? If they’re halfway sane and you could manage just a day in DC it might be worth it. If not, well, good luck with that no win situation!
November 22, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Actually, I rather prefer this kind of communication – short and to the point. This is what I’m doing, this is what I hope you will do, but if not, oh well. More families should communicate this way.
November 22, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Agreed with LCH. That’s good communication. Also good limit-setting.
November 23, 2009 at 9:36 am
lol @ “but I don’t want anybody to go who’s going to be acting like a sullen asshole”
November 23, 2009 at 10:46 am
That’s exactly how I feel about family gatherings. I don’t want anyone there acting like a sullen asshole or constantly complaining. Get over yourself!
November 23, 2009 at 11:22 am
I agree with LCH, Juno, Kelli and Wendy. It’s a day. Deal with it. This totally started my day off on a good note. Thanks fo rsharing.
November 23, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Awww. I love this one. I agree with all the above posts. Speak the truth in love…..Good job Mom! And PS I hope the whole family has a fabulous Christmas where ever they choose to be in the end.
November 23, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I love this mom.
November 24, 2009 at 3:49 pm
wow, i wish my mum would be this straightforward instead of trying to guilt us into family stuff and pretending it will all be lovely and jolly.
November 27, 2009 at 9:36 am
I feel a bit bad for her; I haven’t spent a single Christmas with my family since I moved interstate because my partner (and his family) insist on being together at Christmas and I don’t want to be without him on the day.
Next year I think I might do this too – good on her.
December 10, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I just decided to look to see if the wndideg pictures were here and instead saw your video. Congratulations! I have just cried and cried tears of joy as I watched the last half. Children are awesome and you are going to be awesome parents!! I am so happy for you. Happy 2012!!
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August 30, 2017 at 4:56 pm