This Christmas, Bring Your Playfulness

When I was in my 20s, my parents would let me invite my improv friends who had no place to go for the holidays over to our house. We used to have improvisers over for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I guess it was their way of supporting the arts.

The other day, I was speaking to an old improv friend, and we were reminiscing about how much fun it was going to my parents’ for the holidays. It would be usually two or three improvisers mixed in with my parents, siblings, and relatives.

Sometimes, I had so many friends over, instead of having a kids’ table, we had an improvisers’ table.

For me, it not only forced my family to be on their best behavior, but it was also a lot of fun.

You never knew what would happen. I mean, whenever two or more improvisers gather, it’s going to be a good time.

I remember one Easter my super religious Uncle Jimmy brought a lamb cake. Once dinner was over, the lamb cake became a 20-minute game of object freeze, until it was unrecognizable and my uncle was convinced we were all going to Hell.

I know going home for the holidays can be tricky. I also know improvisers know how to have fun wherever they are. 

Sometimes around family we feel inhibited, reluctant to be silly or to really be ourselves. I get it – it’s hard when people don't laugh or won't play along.

But being spontaneous and funny is our gift – it’s better than anything you are going to find under the tree. And in most cases, the other people you are celebrating the holidays with will be secretly happy that you are there and making everyone laugh.

Every Christmas, I go to my wife’s parents’ house in Pennsylvania, and I try to remember to bring my playfulness.

They are not improvisers. They are German. And yes, some bits that I try to do fall flat, but sometimes they laugh and play along. And I think they appreciate my silliness, I really do. And someday I am hoping they will come up to me and say, “That was the funniest Christmas we ever had."