My parents said, “We’re doing a small Christmas — just close family.” The next morning, I saw photos: 38 people. Even my ex was there.

My mother called me on December 23rd while I stood in the frozen-food aisle at Kroger, holding a bag of peas and debating whether I could afford an actual dessert for Christmas Eve. “Don’t make a huge thing out of Christmas this year, Emily,” she said. “Your father’s exhausted. We’re keeping it tiny. Just me, him, your brother, and Aunt Carol. Close continue reading …