Communion pressure: finally, I started to crack

“Are you sorted? What are your plans? Have you sorted Caoimhe? What are you going to wear? We are heading for dinner tonight to check out the restaurant before we book. Where have you booked? Are you getting your make-up done as well as your hair?”

I have been trying to avoid these currently abundant conversations because, well, my daughter is not in fact getting married - she is eight years old and she is only making her First Holy Communion.

 

It’s a simple rite of passage, yet still they come with a chorus of: “what are you doing for The Communion?” I am made of pretty tough stuff, but finally I started to crack. What am I doing for The Communion?” I have done nothing for The Communion. Panic, panic, worry, worry. Then I copped on. It is two months away and I am doing one thing at a time.

 

Will she be going to the hairdressers? Nope.

 

Will she have fake tan? No freaking way.

 

Will we be booking an expensive restaurant we can ill afford? Eh, no.

 

Will she have a bouncy castle/a sweet shop/a children’s entertainer? No, no, no!

 

I know people who have been planning the day since Christmas, if not earlier. I know those who are worrying about the eye watering amount of money they are spending on the dress and accessories and those who are getting distressed about how to host The Communion. Apparently it has to be perfect.

 

I admit I have a to-do list, of sorts, but it’s unrefined as The Communion is nearly two months away.

 

What to wear? We have a dress, kindly donated by our neighbour. So yes, she will be all in white from veil (undecided) to shoes (with heels? maybe!). I will, most likely, wear a dress I got for a recent wedding and I’ll also endeavour to get the others into something smart. Probably their Easter clothes.

 

Where will we eat? Hopefully, out in the back garden!

 

What will we eat? I don’t know yet, something easy to prepare that will feed the masses, I guess!

 

Who is coming? Family.

 

Will there be cake? Obviously!

 

Have I ordered cake? Nope, I have an oven so that’s sorted!

 

Will we break the bank? No.

 

Will it be a special day? All dressed up, surrounded by family, love and laughter. Oh yes, I believe it will be a very special day indeed!