When I was 18 years of age, my grandmother said she did not think that she wanted to have all forty of us over at Christmas anymore. She thought it was time for her children to start taking the reins and doing the work. The response that she got was unbelievable! We were not at all happy about the fact that in her 60th year she wanted to slow down a little bit. We all threw a huge tantrum and my
Aunt Muriel wrote this poem on the subject.
Grandma’s Christmas 1982 By Muriel Shannon
Have you heard the news, the terrible news?
We don’t know if we can stand it.
It’s not like depression, wars and such.
This problem we just can’t handle it.
Twelve little grandchildren looking so sad.
Family and friends saying “it’s too bad!”
What will we all do?
What’s the world coming to?
Grandma’s not having Christmas!
‘Tis a sad, sad time on the family farm
No plans for pudding, turkey and stuffing
If you think things are bad for you
Try wearing our shoes
Grandma’s not having Christmas.
Grandpa’s working, him we don’t see
No presents under the family tree
Grandpa’s working for double time and a half
Grandma’s mad and to us it’s no laugh
and
Grandma’s not having Christmas
At last! No more pity and sorrow for us
We don’t need to make such a fuss
Let’s love one another, shout with glee
The world’s a wonderful place to be
We’re happy at last
Our troubles are past
Grandma’s having Christmas!
OK… so now I am 43 and I can’t imagine that I would ever have 40 for dinner once a week and then also be expected to have Christmas.
What an ungrateful girl I once was!
