...Sometimes, in moderation, we need it...
It has begun! Christmas trimmed settings of perfection complete with flawless characters and just a miniscule bit of conflict that collides with fairytale-like simplicity and happy endings. Hallmark Christmas movies run back-to-back this time of year and often between warm, heart tugging, feel good, moments of utopia, I am tasked with the question:
What happened to my life?
I mean if I’m honest who doesn’t want to stay warm and toasty amid snowflake laden scenes while adorning just a light, dressy, bright red coat? Sign me up to be warm and blanket cozy right in the middle of crystal clear, white, snow scenes. It beats the dirty and tainted, yellow, snow spots found in my yard when it snows. And Christmas treats without calories? Yes, please. Because with no chunky or thick girls on site, only beautiful, thin models who enjoy every treat, come on! There must be a calorie deficit in those cookies! I could go on and I do have some thoughts about this.
I truly have nothing against businessmen. There is a place for all. But where are the blue-collar workers like the nice plumbers who came to save me from my reeking, weeklong non-use of my clogged, beyond coke repair, toilet recently? And where are those toilets in Hallmark land? Wait a minute, if I’m not mistaken, there’s not even bathroom scenes. Oh, right! Also, where are the babies and toddlers, you young mamas? Hmm, could be slobbers, poopy diapers, and tantrums of a two-year-old might not fit the mold. How about those teen scenes? Whew, need I say more? No masks or social distancing? Where are the month-old leftovers in those alphabetically, correctly and perfectly organized refrigerators they have? I got one, where are the dirty laundry piles???
Well done Hallmark. That is something I could skip, too. Where are the real fights? The screaming, ugly remarks, the hair pulling (just kidding, seriously, just kidding on this one) Chill. That hasn’t happened… for a while. Again, just kidding!
My life looks slightly different than the Hallmark lens. I also promise to be honest with my readers, so it looks drastically different! The closest I get is with my Christmas decorations. I do like to go all out on this. I like most rooms of my house to be trimmed in the Christmas spirit. However, this has been one of the most difficult seasons of my life to be truthful. The reality of multiple hospital stays and cancer treatments for my husband’s battle the past two years, would never make the cut. Nor should they.
But that is another post, my friend. Probably several to come.
It may appear as if I am anti-Hallmark. But if I’m honest I have and probably will continue to watch more than my share of these 2-hour breaks from reality. So, my point is simply if your life doesn’t resemble the Hallmark one, it is okay, friend. I feel you. I know you. I love you for your struggles and bravery in this life. Most importantly, I will not judge you for closing down reality and visiting Hallmark land occasionally. And while I recognize the stark reality of my life in comparison, I’m no more upset with Hallmark than I am with Cinderella. If that resonates with you and your current life, Hallmark on! Sometimes, in moderation, we need it.
Hoping you find a place in my space! ♥