The Holiday Pressure [Fiction]

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It is almost Christmas. The holiday season is mostly about family, fun and food. Everyone seems to be in a good mood. I want to have a wonderful Christmas with my family, but the anxiety of knowing I'll have to face my mom and her pressures to start my own family, yet again, weighs heavily on me.

Steve, my younger brother, proposed to his girlfriend a few weeks ago and now, they'll visit to fully integrate her into the family. I sigh and re-read her text message on my phone.

Mom : 19/12/2023 : Spencer darling, I hope you'll be home for Christmas soon. Steve and Naomi will arrive today. The neighbourhood block party is on the 22nd. I expect you (and your girlfriend?) a day before that.

I was home for the Easter holidays and got an earful about everything wrong with being an eligible bachelor at the age of thirty. This Christmas may be worse. What excuse do I come up with now?

I gaze up to check the sign above my head —five minutes to the next light rail train. It's almost seven am and today is my last day at work before the holidays begin.

My phone starts to buzz in my pocket. Without looking at the screen, I know it's mom. Where's that train when you need it? I want to ignore her call and use the train's arrival as an excuse. I sigh again, my stomach churning as I swipe the screen to pick up the call.

"Mom. Good morning."

"Spencer darling, this is your mother," she says cheerily. I hear a loud click of the toast. She must be making Dad's breakfast.

I roll my eyes and shake my head. "I know it's you, mom. I did before picking your call."

"Why do you sound down in the dumps? It's Christmas! Did you get my text?"

I pinch the inside of my cheek with my teeth and gaze out at the train tracks, wishing the train to appear. The digital sign indicates three more minutes. It feels like I've been talking for months on the phone. "Yes, mom. I got your text but I can't—"

"Well, why didn't you reply?" She cut me off. I fall right into her trap.

"Really, mom? It's just seven in the morning and I'm at the train station."

"So what? A good mother should check on her children every day. That's what I'm doing. Your brother Steve is always quick to reply to my texts. You?" She sighs, and I hear the sound of whisking in the background. My mouth waters involuntarily as memories of her delicious cooking flood my head. "A simple reply would be okay."

I rub my forehead, sniff and check the sign again. Two minutes. I scowl at it and the universe. "God, mom. I would have replied to you when I got to work. I'm not sure if I'll come over for Christmas—"

"Spencer Paul Johnson Junior! Don't mess with me, it's too early in the morning." I clamp my mouth shut at the mention of my full name. "You've never missed Christmas with your family before and this year won't be the first. I know they give you breaks at your office. Making money isn't everything."

"What if I want to travel with my friends?"

"Family first, darling. And what if you're gone and I die? Huh?"

"C'mon, mom! Don't say that."

"It's true. So don't break my heart. I should expect you tomorrow?"

"No, mom. I—" I grit my teeth to stop my stutter. "I'll try and make it down on the twenty-first…"

"Great! My friend, Marcia, remember her?"

"Yes, mom." I hear the sound of an oncoming train and feel like jumping for joy. "Uh, my train is here…"

"Wait. Her daughter will be home for Christmas too. She's a lovely, decent lady."

"Mom. Don't. This is the reason I was having second thoughts about coming home. The pressures. It's too much."

Silence.

I watch as the train comes to a slow stop in front of me and other passengers begin to step in. "Mom? I have to go."

She sighs. "Wait. I'm sorry, darling. I - Just come home. No pressure, I promise. Okay?"

"Alright, mom. I'll be home for Christmas. I love you."

"Love you too. Stay safe."

As I step onto the train, I feel light and happy, like a load has been lifted off me. I'm feeling energised about making my Christmas plans, and the first thing on the list is buying Mom a very lovely pearl necklace. She absolutely loves them.

Merry Christmas, folks.

This is my entry to The Neoxian City Monthly Writing Prompt.

Image credit: Brigitte Tohm

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The holidays and expectations can come with pressure from some family members. It is even moreso when the pressure is to do with one's personal life. Getting a partner might be a priority for a mother who would love to see her children settled but it is not always a priority for the child. It must have been a weight lifted from Spencer's shoulder after speaking to his mom. Hopefully, this christmas he can relax and enjoy.

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Well said. The holidays come with the fun and joys but pressures like trying to measure up to parental expectations may rob people of their holiday cheer. Good thing Spencer opened up to his mother and they reached a consensus. Everyone is happy! Thanks so much for your kind feedback.

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It's always like that; pressures to get married here and there. Most parents are too focused on how to carry their grandchildren, forgetting that marriage is a lifetime process and pushing someone into it, is likely to lead to negative effects.

I have a deep feeling that Spencer will enjoy this Christmas more than the past ones.

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...forgetting that marriage is a lifetime process and pushing someone into it, is likely to lead to negative effects.

You're right. I think it's up to children to stand their ground because the parents won't stay in the marriage with them. Happily, Spencer's mother is quick to understand and cherishes her son's presence more than anything else! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂 !LADY

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Lovely story that captures the good part of spending the Christmas holiday with family and negative part. Nowadays, must people avoid going home for Christmas due to the fact that they have boost of their achievements to their family and what if there are no achievements?. That pressure is always there. I enjoyed this it was nostalgic for me heheh.
!discovery 43

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I tell you the pressure is real. If only we'll simply appreciate the beauty of the season and celebrate with family rather put up expectations. I'm happy you enjoyed this story. Thanks so much for your visit and support. !PIMP 💕

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It's like once you reach 30 as a guy, your parents are instantly on your neck to settle down and have a family. I do hope Spencer's Mom keeps to her promise of not pressurizing him. This was a really nice tale, Kemmy.🌺

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I do hope Spencer's Mom keeps to her promise of not pressurizing him.

She's a mom, I doubt she'd keep to the promise. The suggestion to see Marcia's daughter may yet slip from her again. Hehe. Thank so much for reading. !LADY

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I think with some families - this type of pressure out of love and concern - can drive children crazy. Hence, getting together can be seen as an obligation. That is the case when one is questioned and judged. That is not a fun time. Being able to air one's feelings and for them to be respected is often a relief. Hopefully, Spencer's mother will be truly supportive and keep her promise. Then Christmas will be special and joyous like it should be.


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You're right that this sort of pressure can drive children crazy and make them stay away. I think the focus should be more on the joy and harmony of the season rather than the expectations. Thanks so much for your visit and support. 🙂 !LADY

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Expectations and pressures are just too many; from parents, the society, family, work, everywhere. What anxiety it comes with is most paralyzing.
At least, Spenser was able to finally fell his mum how he felt and she understood. Maybe she'd bw a little less pushy with him. Maybe he'd feel very much at ease and enjoy the holiday.
I wonder if we can accurately talk about it that the world will listen and all our pressures meet an end.

#dreemerforlife

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I agree, the pressures are everywhere and more so at festive periods. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

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Funny, such family gathering always puts a strain on one naturally not to mention an overbearing but caring mum. At least Paul's mum will cherish the pearls but will still come up with the daughter of her friend eventually...hehehe..

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Maybe the pearl necklace is Spencer's bribe to make his mother forget. I doubt she will. Marcia's daughter will still come up in their discussion. 😄 Thanks so much for reading.

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The pressure and expectations one gets from family can be sometimes drive someone crazy. I doubt his mom will keep to her promise of not pressuring him when he comes home.

This was an excellent read. Well done 👍

#dreemerforlife

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I doubt she'll keep to her promise too. It comes naturally to mothers if their expectations are not fulfilled. Thanks so much for your visit. !LADY 🙂

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I think it is natural for mothers to start feeling insecure whenever they realise their male children has gotten to a particular age and he is yet to have someone. Mothers have the best match making skills and techniques.😅

Pop in from #dreemport
#Dreemerforlife

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You're right! Mothers are the best matchmakers. 😄 Thanks so much for reading.

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