The only way to go on holiday is with your expectations at ground level. Convince yourself before you go that the weather's going to be dreadful and there will be nylon sheets. You'll then be pleasantly surprised.
I really do think that putting expectations on a holiday is setting yourself up for failure.
Thanksgiving without tension is like a Thanksgiving without turkey. It can be done, but it is not the norm.
Real men don't know what they want for Christmas. Despite the fact I'm deeply disappointed every Christmas. I pride myself on not wanting anything. Children want things, women want things, dogs and cats want things, but men don't.
My parents still treat Christmas like I'm thirteen years old.
Adults are tempted to produce and perform Christmas for their kids and their families, and they arrive at Christmas Day weary and disillusioned.
I generally don't enjoy relaxing and doing nothing on holiday.
Traditions are always puzzling to those who don't share them. I'm Jewish, so the idea of a 'perfect family Christmas' is foreign to me.
It must not simply be taken for granted that a given set of ill-assorted people, for no other reason than because it is Christmas, will be joyful to be reunited and to break bread together.
Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents.
