In Other Words with Dave

As Christmas approaches, a familiar ritual begins here at the Miller house: accommodating our ever-expanding circle of relatives and friends for our holiday dinner. 

First, we need a solid headcount. This is serious business— standby status is not acceptable. Once we confirm the final count, Alison takes charge of menu planning, and I start organizing the dining experience. 

After some quick measuring and calculations, it’s time for the annual knuckle-scraping extension of the dining table. Usually a two- or three-person job, I take it on solo. After a few thumps with a rubber mallet and a healthy contribution to the swear jar, the table is maxed out. As I apply a few Band-Aids, I realize just how much smaller the formal dining room feels now. Next, we need more chairs—lots of them. 

A quick sweep of our palatial estate reveals a set of Adirondack chairs, some adjustable office chairs, and a couple of bar stools—none of which will work. But what about that ottoman in the den? It’s chair-like, comfortable, and slightly low—maybe suitable for a young adult with no back issues or someone very long-waisted. Wait, I think there are some folding chairs in the attic. 

After wiping off the cobwebs, mission accomplished! We have just enough chairs to accommodate everyone. But we’re living on the edge—one unexpected guest, like a cousin’s girlfriend or a last-minute lonely heart invite, and our carefully balanced setup could be thrown into chaos. 

Here’s an idea, I can ask our aunt to skip the somewhat questionable green bean casserole and just bring one of her wingback chairs. Ah, never mind. A little chair drama is well worth the memories we create while celebrating another Christmas together. Happy holidays to you and yours!