November 2023

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

Dear Mrs. (Slightly) Sophisticated,

Every year during the holiday season, my mother-in-law reaches a frenzied state regarding gifts. From Black Friday shopping to Christmas morning, it is a nonstop race that makes us all forget the reason for the season. None of the rest of us care who bought the most expensive gifts or who spent more on decorations. Any way you can help me navigate this?

Dear Miserable, not Merry, You are not alone in this epic battle. Here are a few examples I have found regarding this issue. Black Friday: “I saw an elderly woman steal an ice cream maker from the cart of a man in an electric wheelchair.” “Someone punched a security guard in the face because they thought he was a customer skipping to the front of the line. He was just walking in the door to start his shift.” Christmas Day: “We traveled to my mother-in-law’s house for Christmas when my children were in elementary school. On Christmas morning, my mother-in-law went to visit another son’s children to watch them open gifts. She instructed us not to allow our children to open gifts until she returned home. Long story short, our seven- and nine-year-olds had to wait to open gifts until 3:00 in the afternoon.” “My mother-in-law made such a big deal out of Christmas that she actually put herself in the hospital due to all the stress. Everything must be perfect: the presents, the decorations, and even the people. The best part is that she told all her friends that it was my fault because I had too many children. I have three. With her son. To whom I am married.”

Thank you, Miserable, not Merry

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BUSINESS & POLITICS

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