That time of year

Holiday Checklist 

Yes, they have something to drink
Yes, we have the good paper plates out
Yes, I served them first
Yes, I’ve gained weight
Yes, I should eat better
Yes, the Wi-Fi password is the same
Yes, I seen the photo you tagged me in
Yes, it was the most hilarious thing I’ve ever seen
Yes, these are those boots
Yes, I should’ve asked you to make the pasta salad
Yes, I cleared the plates
Yes, I know you were married with two kids at my age
Yes, there is dessert
Yes, I’m thankful we’re together again
Yes, you didn’t buy anything but really don’t worry about it
Yes, we should definitely hang out more
Yes, I work that day 
Yes, the ice maker is still broken
 

I default to this poem during the holidays for obvious reasons. There is a sense of routine or normalcy encapsulated in this poem that doesn’t feel possible to apply to this holiday season. The holidays are difficult and navigating them cautiously while trying to shrug about something like who’s bringing what to the family buffet feels disjointed. Fun fact, I wrote this poem during my first year of grad school and when I used it to “close my set” at my second-year reading, everyone laughed because it resonated with them and it felt like I had accomplished something. Here’s to looking back on those frustrating holiday memories and finding some way to trudge forward.