The X-Box killed my Christmas. Yup - it sure did. After freaking out about losing/quitting my job, carrying a disproportionate part of my six-person family's stress and after years upon years of taking on the whole bunch's cooking, cleaning, and coordinating - I refused to do it this year. I didn't have the mental space, resources, or desire to mediate all the disputes in a family whose median age is 33.8.

Therefore, we all did as we usually do - tried to escape. The trip from DC to Atlanta was instantly complicated because we had my brother's friend riding with us. Then, the trip was delayed for a day (I needed to chill - last day of work was Friday, still emotional), so brother #3 left with a friend instead. Suffice to say, things have gone from bad to worse. I don't know if it's the latent chauvanism in my male-dominated family or our lack of respect for each other, but there is no middle ground of communication, respect, and agreement. No zone of possible agreement.

While we were preparing dinner, I asked my brothers to turn down, stop playing, find some Christmas music instead of playing "Gears of War." Mind you, they played this game for about 14 hours during Thanksgiving while I slaved in the kitchen and, given our limited time together, it was really a waste of precious hours. After asking continually to turn the game down, I flipped. Please turn it down and put on some Christmas music. I know that all four men heard me when I asked the first five times, and until I scream, no one listens. Not only did that turn the attention from the game, but then I was made to be the crazy one. At 8pm on Christmas Eve, I need some Christmas, chainsaw-wielding, mercenaries are not related to the Baby Jesus, and I'm not flexible on such things. I don't know how else to get through, but I am excited that four of us will be heading to Hilton Head, South Carolina tomorrow for some R&R.

It's much needed. I know your holiday is just as crazy, but you don't want to admit it. It's ok. I won't tell anyone. Your secret holiday hell is safe with me.