It seems that I have been involved in some Christmas celebration at least twice a week since the beginning of December. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I love spending time with my family. I love the special music and services that celebrate Jesus' birth and all that it means for us. I love the lights and the ornaments. And, honestly, we don't go all out for Christmas commercialization. We buy gifts and put up a tree but we're tempered folk. Nothing is extravagant or flashy or overly expensive. But the one thing that really wears on me is the expectation to be involved in every social event going on!
Since the beginning of the month we have been in two performances of a Christmas drama, participated in numerous choral and musicians practices, performed at a Christmas community night and a Christmas service, helped with a Ladies' Christmas party, gone to homes for cider and sweets, exchanged gifts in our home, traveled to exchange gifts with other family members, and after the holiday was over, attended a church Christmas party last night.
I don't know how people find so much to talk about at Christmas parties (or parties in general) but there always seems to be a continuous din of chatter. I get lost in it. I certainly don't feel the need to add to it. But being the only person at a social event that isn't socializing makes you stand out. And standing out isn't what I have in mind.
I usually try to find a quiet corner (quiet being relative in this statement). And if I can find a book to go with my corner, that's more ideal. At least then I'm engaged in an activity and wards off attempts to drag me into the cacophony. But it's better to go prepared, so I bring my own book. Introvert problem #1 - Finding enough room in your purse to tuck a book...
Or two.
Bringing a book to a party causes another dilemma. Someone might ask what I'm reading. For someone like me, it's not a conversation I enter into lightly. I tend to read non-fiction. Mostly psychology, self-improvement, and finance. So, really, unless you're willing to go into a deep theological or theoretical conversation, I'd prefer you don't ask. I choose books with boring titles for this very reason.
I have to say that at last night's festivities, I was saved from having to retrieve my book. In a far corner of the farthest room was a small table with a puzzle in the works. There was enough room for 3 or 4 people to gather around. Ahhh! My refuge! When I took a seat, a few others gathered around. We concentrated on finding the right match, we helped locate elusive pieces, we celebrated every success. There was no call for small talk. When the noise around us got louder, we huddled closer. Others thought we all liked the same hobby, little did they know we were really just introverting.
That puzzle table was the most exciting part of the party for me. I enjoyed every moment. So here's a plea to all you extroverts and party-throwers. PLEASE provide a puzzle table at all social events! It makes it so much more comfortable for quiet people. It attracts those who shy away from small talk. And it's a lot less awkward than pulling a book out of my purse.
No comments:
Post a Comment