CHRISTMAS IS CANCELLED AT MY HOUSE

Before Dean and Priscilla left, I told them Christmas was canceled at my house.

Not postponed.

Not reconsidered.

Canceled.

Priscilla looked stunned.

"What are we supposed to tell everyone?"

"The truth is always available."

Dean winced.

"Mom."

I looked at him.

"I don't care what you tell them."

The words surprised even me.

For most of my life, I had cared very deeply about keeping peace.

About avoiding embarrassment.