Make Something Up

Well, it's gotten to be that time of year for our family. My grandmother on my Dad's side is having a big Catholic Christmas To-Do at her church & "she'd really like to see you guys there." To which I answer: "Horseshit."
It's not because she cares about us as individuals. She just wants a good head-count when she tallies up all her relations, feeling quite pleased with herself because she was able to cram us all into a church. She'll get on God's good-side for sure with that one.
I told my sister I could say I couldn't go because I'm Buddhist. But that would be a cheap thing to do. Wouldn't it? Somehow it just feels like it is. What if I were to say I no longer celebrate Christmas?(I've been thinking on that one already, so if I decide to, it won't be just to get out of this church social.)
I could lie. Make something up--Say I got called away to work and couldn't make it.(Despite having that day off as a paid holiday) I don't know. If I went it would be for Dad.(So he wouldn't get grilled-- "Where's the kids?") Jim agrees on that one.(Going for Dad) It's not like they're mean to me or anything. Mildly patronizing with faux concern-- But not necessarily mean. So just tolerate the plastic environment, put a congenial smile on and consider it an exercise in patience & tolerance. Something like that.

But this isn't getting my book written.
Back to work!