my tinsle is tangled.

While shopping at Target one day, my mother found a “Griswold Family Christmas” T shirt for $5 in my size.

She never should have bought it.

I am not mature enough to handle the amount of responsibility that comes with owning a Griswold Family Christmas shirt.


Last week I was invited to attend a Christmas Party that was set up as a networking event for twenty somethings. During the conversation, someone mentioned tacky attire. Therefore, on the evening of the party I wrote the book on tacky; proud to top off my ensemble off with THE Griswold Family Vacation shirt.
As I walked up to meet the group, I noticed they were all really fun looking people...who all happened to be dressed in cute blouses and nice tops.

Lesson #1: there is no second chance at a first impression.

Thankfully, my gross misunderstanding of the evening’s attire eventually turned out to be a great conversation starter for meeting new people. Chalk one up on the “saved situations” board.

When I found out we were having a Christmas Party at work, I told my coworkers about my fashion faupaux at the last holiday event I attended, and we all shared a laugh. Shortly after, my boss announced that we would be authorized to wear civilian clothes on the day of the party.

Realize: I work full time for the National Guard and wear what my grandma endearingly calls, “my green outfit” along with a delightful bun, everyday. It gets mundane. And green is not my color.

This means when the boss man says we can wear civilian clothes for an entire day- it is exciting. He followed this statement saying something along the lines of everyone wearing their Ugly Christmas sweaters. The office responded with laughter and agreement.

Lesson #2: just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Today is the Christmas party. I woke up early, donned my ugly hair bow, Christmas tree turtle-neck, jingle bell earrings aaaanndd THE Griswold Family Christmas shirt.
I had a special bounce in my step that only Christmas can bring as I walked into the office…until I looked around.

I am the only one in the building wearing Christmas attire. I am probably wearing enough Christmas attire for the entire building, but I am still the only one.

Lesson # 3: Trust no one.