There’s not much to talk about at the table 

My husband and I host now instead of my aunt 

We don’t have cable 

I sent her an invitation but I’m not sure if she could read the font 

I dream about my mom’s idiosyncrasies 

All the little things that have a tendency to embarrass me 

I pray that Jesus will help me love 

To exist beyond haircuts, the perfect plates, and other stuff

I showed my dad all my medals hanging up in the garage 

First place, first place, first place

He’s older now; I can’t look him in the face 

But I just hope he gets some sort of feeling of pride

Some would say inviting your family over for holidays is self-sabotage

I shared my chocolate brownie cookies with my sister-in-law 

She doesn’t know I gave that recipe my all (baking’s never been my thing)

She took a bite and asked “Did you burn the cookies?”

I thought my husband slayed the turkey 

He thought it was overcooked

I guess we’re all just rookies 

There was talk of my cousin 

Family gossip was buzzin’

Her house burned down last year – literally 

There’s talk of how that fire was lit 

There are a lot of memories at that house I can never forget 

There’s some long lost family members 

They flew off over the years like embers 

But this year I was proud of my new drinking glasses and place mats from Target

My husband and I both felt a bit sad when everyone departed 

I’m finally envisioning the next generation 

I went to bed last night at seven

But my my mind churned 

And my heart hammered (chocolate!)

In it all, I ruminated over the Gospel’s words 

Family members are not a curse 

Each of our time here is terse 

Everyone’s fighting their own gremlins 

Try to quiet your judgments and just listen 

We’re all as dysfunctional as the disciples 

We’re all human, not rivals 

See past the slights and the dark nights 

There’s plenty to eat 

There’s an empty seat 

Burn your worries

Give thanks

And be at peace