Yes. I have OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder.
When November first hits, Thanksgiving is the furthest thing from my mind. I start unpacking my two storage bins that are filled with Christmas decorations, break out the Josh Groban “Noel” album, which I continuously listen to on repeat, and start dispersing my money into different accounts so I will have just enough money to buy my boyfriend and family nice Christmas gifts.
I think my obsession began, when my aunt, Kate, put together many years ago, the first, Christmas Amazing Race.
Obviously mimicked after, the Amazing Race. You all know the show right? Where teams of two travel across the world completing different tasks on each leg of the race.
Well, she gets all of her friends, many of them local judges, lawyers, relatives and local personalities, and sends them on a race throughout Louisville competing tasks in teams of four.
Participants in past races have done it all. They have performed synchronized Christmas dance routines in the Mid-City mall for a panel of judges, had a wing-eating contest, gone to a tattoo parlor to receive a stamp on tattoo, delivered 50 pounds worth of donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor, and unwrapped hundreds of presents trying to find one of 7 boxes with a piece of coal in it before they continue in the race.
My personal favorite task that they have had to do was when Kate made them set a 5-minute timer, and they had to pray inside of a popular Nativity scene in Louisville, kneeling down in front of baby Jesus. Each year, the tasks get bigger and better. Sometimes a little more daring as well.
I cannot wait for this years race. My aunt and I have came up with some pretty funny tasks for them to complete.
But, what I love most about the race, besides watching the intensely competitive people play, is that Kate gets all of the cousins involved. I help her plan it every year. I assist with the prizes and different tasks stationed throughout Louisville. Mainly, I just show up to the stops to make sure no team cheats. We have cheaters every year.
A few of my cousins, brother and boyfriend are all team drivers. Yes. I have heard that the tension in some cars have been so high, that the drivers will pull over to take a “breather” while everyone takes a moment to gather themselves. Some of the ladies tend to yell at the drivers for not going quick enough.
And then there are my youngest cousins. AKA the Christmas “Divas, Fairies and Elves.” It is their job to greet the teams at the pit stop of the race. They normally throw glitter at them or something, while the players sing a Christmas jingle. It’s cute.
It’s nice to have something to look forward to every year that is a little out of the norm and different from everyone else’s traditions. I can for sure say, that this year’s race is going to be one for the books. Some women are out for blood and the competition is only getting hotter.
Stay tuned so I can tell you the outcome for this year’s event.
Sophie In the City 