Christmas as an Emet

During the Christmas holiday, most people relate this time to family, food, gifts and stress. But for an Emetophobia it also correlates with germs, sick people, and possible foodborne illnesses. Winter season is not the greatest time for an Emet in the first place, because this is the time of year of the Norovirus. The Norovirus is what most people call the Stomach Flu, which is not a flu at all. And during the Holiday season it is even worse. Large amounts of people crammed into tiny living rooms, sharing the same air.

Well on Saturday we had Christmas with my husbands side of the family; which is usually about 30 plus people. That morning I read on Facebook that one of his cousins was sick and she wasn't going to be able to see everyone she was planning to for Christmas. I of course had a mini freakout. It didn't even say what she was sick with, but I assumed the worst. She's always at Christmas, plus she has two kids as well. I ask myself "What if she's throwing up? What if it's contagious? What if she comes? What if her kids are there?" Well, I tried my hardest to not think about it and went to Christmas keeping my fears to myself. Who shows up an hour later? Her two children. They were picked up by one of her sisters. She was at home throwing up with diarrhea (yuck), but they said she might come a little later. What?... Come later? I tell you what, I was not a happy camper. I did not let my 2 1/2 year old play anywhere near those kids, nor did I, and I watched those kids like a hawk. I could tell you every toy they played with, every chair they touched and every person they hugged. Of course my hubby asked me what my deal was, so I told him. He knows about my phobia, and he understands the extent, but he still thinks I'm a little nuts. Turns out though, after I did a little extra investigating, the sick one was out till 3 in the morning maybe having a little too much fun, and even her sister wasn't really sure she was actually "sick". I tell you what, as soon as I heard that, even if it wasn't the truth, I tried to believe it anyways. It was like a light switch turned on and I was no longer afraid. I let my daughter play freely, I ate an almost normal meal and somewhat had a good time (for being the in-law Christmas anyways). She did end up coming, and told everyone it was little 24 hour bug, but who drinks a red bull hours after a stomach bug?

Ah, this phobia sucks, but I do believe that I can get a handle on this and not let it control every part of my life. And for all family members I talk about, I love you all, never mean to offend any of you, I just need to put my stories out there for everyone else to enjoy as well.