Before and After

Ah, the day after a much anticipated and planned for event. I didn't always handle this kind of day well. When I was in junior high school, I helped my mom's friend (my knitting teacher) plan a surprise anniversary party for my parents. It was a black tie masquerade ball. I went shopping with a friend for a fancy dress, then hid it in her closet until the big event. I even sneaked my brother's dress clothes out of his closet and hid them in my guitar case to transport them to our destination before the big event. We planned and schemed for months, and the event was a huge success. Friends and family came from miles around to surprise my parents. It was a very happy anniversary.

But the day after the party, I hit rock bottom. I was completely depressed. All the build up and anticipation came to an abrupt halt, and I couldn't handle the inevitable letdown. I learned an important lesson about myself - I don't do up and down well. I need to keep things on an even keel and avoid climactic situations.

Obviously, hosting an annual family dinner has its ups and downs, but I'm getting better at keeping myself balanced somewhere in the middle of the tumult.



I keep things simple. I don't go overboard with decorations. I remind myself that it is a night like any other night when I cook dinner; I just cook for four times as many people. I also prepare myself for the day after. Rather than having a meltdown, I let myself glide down gently, settle into a comfy spot, and revel in the fact that my house is clean and my refrigerator is full of leftovers.



And of course, I have my knitting therapy. Nothing like bamboo yarn on birch needles to keep one grounded. Of course, spending most of the day in pajamas helps too.

Happy Buy Nothing Day! Now you know why I went shopping for provisions the day before last. If you missed out today, you can always celebrate UK style tomorrow.