For those who are lucky enough, the holiday season is a time of year spent with family and friends. People travel far and wide to celebrate the joyous season with loved ones. For most of us, this is the season of love and happiness.
But when family gets together, there are times when crazy things happen. There is no exception for these three Bakersfield College students.
There are countless holiday movies that display the outlandish events that take place when the family gets together for the holidays. But how true are they?
In BC student Alicia Fimbres’ case, this is spot on.
Sometimes holiday cheer can result in holiday stress. With everything from travel arrangements to meal planning, it can get a bit overwhelming for some. Fimbres’ mother is known for spouting out a certain phrase when the tensions get high.
“Almost every year my mom gets stressed or mad; she yells ‘Merry F-ing Christmas,'” said Fimbres, criminal justice major. “We never know when the infamous words are going to be said.”
For music industry major Matthew Thompson, his family has their annual Thanksgiving feast at “Grammy’s” house. Thompson is the second oldest of seven children in his immediate family. With cousins, kids and other members of the family, there is never a quiet moment.
One year, though, stands out as one of the craziest moments to happen to his family.
“There was one year where we were all at my Grammy’s house on Thanksgiving and we were all just sitting around in the living room drinking coffee,” said Thompson. “My grandpa walked out of his bedroom and we all were staring at him with grins on our faces. He couldn’t figure out why we all were staring at him and smiling until he looked down and realized that he wasn’t wearing his pants. Once he realized his pants weren’t on, he just went with it and joined us on the couch as if he had done it on purpose.”
Some people get to experience both big family gatherings and small ones. Robert Swanson, computer engineering major, had a big Thanksgiving thanks to the 30 family members that packed into his parents’ house. Most of Swanson’s family does not live in Bakersfield, and he is appreciative that the whole group can gather without fighting.
“I guess it is hard to argue when you have a plate full of good turkey, mashed potatoes and grandma’s pie,” said Swanson.
While Swanson enjoys the big family gatherings, he tends to prefer Thanksgiving at his girlfriends house.
“Nine family and friends having a quiet dinner and enjoying each other’s company is nice,” said Swanson. “I’d take that over 30 people any day; as long as there is pie!”
Whether you spend the holiday with a big group of people or not, crazy things are bound to happen.