which holiday party invite to accept?

i take

a walk down to the mailbox

to gather

up

all of my holiday party invitations.

but once

again,

the box is empty except

for a coupon

on butterball turkeys

at the local Kroger's.

but not to worry, there's still

time.

i have my red sweater

laid out on the bed in the guest room

with a pair

of brown corduroy pants.

i've practiced a few stories

and jokes

to tell when mingling

in the crowd of party goers.

i stand at the mirror

and mumble

some small talk

while sipping on a tumbler

of egg nogg spiked

with Jack Daniels,

i'm preparing my body for what's

to come next.

saying things like,

Merry Christmas,

Happy New Year, it's a pleasure

to meet you.

how about this weather we're having?

i'm ready.

dammit.

any day now, 

the invites will arrive.