“Weekend Wins” is a monthly column by Katie Mest, finding the subtle wins of life and the NFL season. In its fourth edition, Katie walks through the Christmastime as life brings along its changes. She also shares her same-game parlay picks for the Vikings-Lions game.
Some years, Christmas will feel different.
This time is no longer the rest period you had as a child – a break from school and responsibilities. The holiday songs talking about the “hustle and bustle” of the season start to make sense.
There’s no time for lounging the day away when there are presents to wrap, rooms to clean for company, schedules to maneuver for visits and activities to plan.
So instead of finding the joy in opening presents come Christmas morning, you look for it in the efforts you share with those around you. The care you take choosing and packaging gifts. The extra love you bake into your cookies.
Because the holidays can go by quickly, you can miss the fun if you only focus on the to-do list.
Some years, Christmas will feel different.
You start seeing someone seriously, and, suddenly, you two have doubled the amount of family you need to visit during the holiday season.
Each weekend, another road trip across the state is rewarded with filled stomachs and tight hugs. Your heart is full from the love, and your body is tired from the travels.
Some years, Christmas will feel different.
You’re excited to share your favorite season with your newest bundle of joy. Ready to tap into Christmas magic for the once-a-year decoration effort, you stock up on the essentials.
Visions of unwrapping presents with your little family dance in your head as you sip your peppermint-flavored drink and grab another box of ornaments for your shopping cart.
Billie, our cat, has rediscovered her love for climbing trees.
And then your precious baby brings you back down to reality.
Fur baby, that is.
She loves the lights, and the ornaments, and her new climbing tower (the Christmas tree). As soon as the ornaments go up, they come back down.
To keep the peace and your sanity, you reevaluate your expectations of Christmas decorations and pick your battle.
Some years, Christmas will feel different.
Some years, one of the most joyful times can turn into one of the saddest.
With a few family members honoring a lost loved one this year, we know that every visit, call and “I love you” we share carries a lot of weight.
Some years, Christmas will feel different.
We welcome the season with whatever heavy loads we carry with us this year. And we will lean on each other for support to find the good in it all.
In need of a weekend win to get you in a positive spirit?
NFL Sunday DraftKings Same-Game Parlay
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions: Sunday @ 1 PM
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: Over 79.5 Receiving Yards (-130)
• Justin Jefferson: Over 89.5 Receiving Yards (-130)
We will keep it short and sweet this week with two legs. Amon-Ra St. Brown has been a force unable to be stopped lately. In his past four games, the wide receiver has capitalized on his opportunities with at least 10 Yards Per Reception (YPR). With his momentum on top of a home advantage, he will no doubt lead the team in target share once again.
However, he is not the only receiver poised for in Vikings-Lions. Justin Jefferson has had fewer than 90 receiving only four times this year – once being last week and once being his last meetup with the Lions. He needs a bounce-back game, and this is it.
Total parlay odds: +200
Here’s to Week 14, the freakin’ weekend and new opportunities to win. Follow me on Twitter @km_betweenFF.