‘Tis The Season To Share The Load

Ah, Christmas. The time of year when family gather around hearth and home. The house is transformed into a holiday wonderland, with the star being the gloriously decorated tree. The smell of baked goods waft from the kitchen as smiling children open beautifully wrapped, tasteful presents.

Why, it’s enough to make you want to scream. History dictates that the holidays fall square on a woman’s shoulder and that’s a yoke we have yet to shrug off.

Every thing about the season is directed at women. From the holiday cookbooks to the festive garlands to the table centerpieces to the Christmas card sets to the fancy clothes to the migraine medication. Whenever we turn around there is something else that we could do to add to the fun for our family and friends.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m no Grinch. In fact, in my family I’m the most Christmas-crazed by far. I love everything about the season — the twinkling lights, the crisp air, the gift giving.

Unlike many areas, where men of my generation have taken on half the responsibility, entertaining is still a lady’s work. Men have asked what to buy their relatives and how to wrap the presents.

Trying to solicit suggestions for what to cook for various events is met with, “I don’t know, whatever you think is best,” followed by a bright smile, as if I’m looking forward to preparing a menu for 12 people including an older man who can’t chew, a child with numerous allergies and a highly opinionated vegan/locavore teenage.

And while I try to fight it, I still see making the house presentable as one of my responsibilities. If we don’t have a tree, or coasters, then I’m the one who’ll get the looks and head shakes. Heaven-help me if there is pet hair on the couch!

Many men just assume that women are born with an etiquette book lodged behind their cerebral cortex. This isn’t true. It takes hours of agonizing before ultimately making the wrong decision.

This is the season for sharing. So share the load and join in the fun. And guys, if you don’t know how to wrap a present then leave your lady alone and get some tips on your own.

Contact the author here: mick@morningquickie.com