Thank Goodness for Babies!

For the past three years, my partner and I have hosted a Christmas party for close friends and family (which usually turns into about 70 people!!!). This year, however, with the arrival of our son, we have opted to forgo the event in an effort to keep a few coffers in the old wallets. This decision, of course, has not been extremely popular with some of our friends, as they look forward to the chance to come together in the spirit of the season to raise a glass to peace. Ok. Let's just be honest here. Glasses are raised so often that inevitably someone is dared to: jump into the pool/start a bonfire in the fire pit and burn anything in sight/eat the rest of "x" mixed with "y" (note: "x" and "y" in this occasion are always two items that should never under any circumstances be paired, except under this particular dare). I think you get the point. And, being teachers ourselves, most of our friends are also in the field of education - this is an important point....

Yes, there is some tom-foolery that traditionally occurs, but here is a little secret of which most people aren't aware: educators, when given the opportunity to let their hair down privately, are about the most wild group of people you may encounter....I know, I know, now you are picturing your favorite teacher from your elementary years standing on a couch in someone's living room, more than a little inebriated, singing love songs to a half-eaten sandwich made of sour kraut and Christmas fudge....so maybe it's just best if you cling to the innocent images of your favorite teacher you had prior to reading this post and forgive me for spoiling those happy thoughts of yester-year...

Anyway, canceling this event was a let-down to our friends, but people were quick to step up to the plate and arrange parties of their own to keep the proverbial yule log on the bonfire. As such, invitations have started to trickle in, each with their own special seasonal twist...the most recent requires all attendees to find and proudly don the most ridiculous, over-the-top holiday sweater and, of course, arrive with the beverage of their choice...

And pause. I am suddenly glad that I am a papa. I am 29 years old, but I have always been an "old soul". I have officially entered into the realm of parenthood, and therefore have an easy "out" for these events. I don't know what it says when a grown male would rather spend the evening speaking jibberish to his 4-month baby than listening to jibberish from his 30-year old friends...All I can say is thank Goodness for Babies!