The holiday season is a time for family, gifts, and stuffing your face with food. In a picturesque world, family and friends would gather around the fireplace and sing Christmas carols while frosting cookies and simultaneously knitting perfectly soft sweaters for each other. The hot chocolate would never run out, and no one would force you to eat that one casserole you hate. Realistically, the holidays, while wonderful, can also be stressful and chaotic. When life gets overwhelming, there is nothing better than settling in for a "Lord of the Rings" marathon. If you can't find 10 hours to devote to Frodo and the gang (not including extended editions or "The Hobbit" movies), never fear. Below are 10 moments from Lord of the Rings that will make you say "me" this December.
1. When your one cousin is holding up lunch, and they finally walk in the door
Yeah, I know the roads were bad, but I left 45 minutes early so that I wouldn't have to eat cold mashed potatoes. Have some respect.
2. When your mom tries to tell you what to do, but you're at your grandma's house
Grandma's house, grandma's rules (AKA no rules). So yes, I will have a third slice of pie and then nap on the couch until present time.
3. When your aunts bring out the desserts
Nothing is better than seeing apple pie, fudge, and sugar cookies and not having to pick just one.
4. When you look around and realize you're the only single adult.
Wait, when did literally everyone find a significant other except for you? You ponder this question for a moment, decide there is no logical answer, and pull the sweatpants out of your purse that you brought just in case you eat elevenses.
5. When someone brings up politics
I didn't leave The Shire and travel through the Misty Mountains to have you ask who everyone voted for while casually pouring some egg nog. Not today, not today.
6. When someone asks what your plans are after graduation
I know you don't actually believe I have any sort of plans past next Tuesday. It's the most wonderful time of the year, let's not ruin it by asking me what I intend to do in a few months.
7. When someone starts talking about how great 2016 was for them
I had at least two meltdowns a week this past year. I stopped checking my bank account weeks ago, and every time my card goes through I try to high-five the cashier. But please, tell me more about how you're on top of the world.
8. When you accidentally say a bad word, and you feel your mom glaring at you from across the room
Yes, mom, I know there are children here. And no, I don't think before I speak.
9. When it's time to do the dishes, and all your cousins have disappeared
Nothing is worse than being the only one in the kitchen when it's time to clean up.
10. When you realize you have to wait another whole year to do it all again
Because despite the craziness (or maybe because of it), you love your family and you love Christmas, and the thought of having to wait a year to do it again makes you sad.
