How does one process such an event? By terming the phrase "In-law Fatigue (ILF)." A kind way of saying, "How do we deal with all these people and the mix of personalities?" Don't worry, it (now) carries with it an endearment to it.
But the beauty of ILF is that time takes care of many things. And you recognize that you are better because of the in-laws and their behaviors/ideas/habits/etc.
For example, we have spent the last 3 years celebrating Rosca de Reyes with Mauricio and Jenni. Never heard of it? Neither had we. But it takes place on the 12th day AFTER Christmas (January 6th.) It is a wonderful, easy holiday that involves drinking frothy Mexican hot cocoa and cutting into a wreath-shaped pastry. The pastry has candied fruit on top and represents the jewels and treasures the wise men brought to present to baby Jesus.
But there is more. A "baby" is baked inside the bread and the person who "finds" baby Jesus has the event at their house the next year.
Last week I found myself looking forward to this year's Rosca de Reyes. Jenni and I both had the vague memory that Kennah "found" Jesus last year. So we had our first Rosca de Reyes Wednesday evening. The bread (which usually was on the stale side--it's the idea that is important) was very fresh. In fact, Pollo had one of the very last ones out of the bakery's oven. Mmmmm!
But a little confusing as 6 babies were found this year!
And so, I snub my nose to ILF on this matter. I LOVE this addition to our family's holiday traditions!
2 comments:
What a cool tradition!
I learned this year that the song "Twelve Days of Christmas" was originally meant for the twelve days after Christmas, too. I think somewhere along the line everyone got in a holiday rush and tried to get all their celebratin' done pre-the big day.
ps--it's a wonder you and Steven stayed in the family after the beloved holiday from hell! Long live the ILF.
What a wonderful tradition! I love it.
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