“TRICK OR TREAT,” I blurted upon my turn, realizing in the very moment I shouted those words that I had erred big time, as in a major brain fart moment.
My teammates’ mouths dropped. Their laughter chastised, mocked me. I could hear their question—“What were you thinking, Audrey?”—even though they dared not speak it aloud in the church fellowship hall setting. They exercised that bit of restrained Christian charity.
But I deserved the laughter. Who would respond “trick or treat” to a Family Feud question about a popular holiday greeting? Me.
First, the specific Family Feud game version we were playing focused on Christmas, a theme I failed to remember. Second, Halloween may be a holiday for kids, but not officially.
Thus went the annual Trinity Lutheran Church, Faribault, Family Game Night Christmas Party on Saturday, an event that always brings laughter. Lyda, who attended with her husband, Sean, and daughters, Rosemary and Anne, summarized the get together quite well in an email thank you to party planner Billie Jo. “We haven’t laughed this much in a long time,” Lyda wrote. Me either.
Laughter is good for the soul, even if the laughter is sometimes because of you.

Mandy, left, and Billie Jo vie to open a gift wrapped in multiple layers of boxes and wrapping paper and secured with layers of duct and packaging tape. Rules called for contestants to dress in scarves, hats and mittens before attempting to open the gift.
From the exchange of white elephant gifts (more on that shortly) to the drawing of a Christmas scene upon a paper plate placed atop our heads, to tearing snowmen from paper tucked behind our backs to the pushing/near-wrestling/grabbing involved in the competitive unwrapping of a single gift secured in layers of paper and rolls of duct and packaging tapes to parceling M & Ms into bowls, the evening’s activities showcased comedic competitiveness.
Honestly, you would not expect grown-ups to behave like this, especially in church. But, and this is just my thought, I think sometimes we all need to act like kids, to let loose and freewheel our way through life, if but for a few moments.
Now if you’re thinking my Family Feud Halloween stupidity rates as the evening’s most memorable moment, you would be wrong. It ties with Jeff’s unwrapping of a white elephant gift which has become a Family Game Night Christmas Party tradition. For years, a gaudy holiday photo frame has circulated into the gift exchange. And, at some point, photos were added. Unbeknownst to Jeff, he grabbed the wrapped photo frame.
I knew, just knew, that my friend Jesse (who is a doctor, but not a medical doctor—so says his son Noah) would wrack his brilliant librarian brain until he came up with an incredibly creative photo to insert into the frame. Little did I know that my husband and I would be the subjects of Jesse’s creative efforts.
Jesse totally outdid himself. We party-goers erupted into thunderous laughter upon seeing his version of artist Grant Wood’s American Gothic.

This modern day version of Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting was created by artist Jesse and features my husband and me. Outstanding, isn’t it? The garish frame will be regifted next year with a new photo inserted.
The only disappointment was that Jesse could not witness our reaction; he was home with his two youngest children who were ill. However, I asked Jesse’s wife, Tammy, to tell him I would be seeking revenge, to which there was some response about revenge belonging to the Lord. OK then, get back at/get even.
And I can get even, because that hideous photo frame is now in my possession. Yes, I actually stole the frame from Jeff at one point during the game because I really did not need a silverware tray from a dishwasher or two can coolers. My husband later stole this from Jeff—apparently for the can coolers.
I expect we broke many of the 10 Commandments Saturday evening what with stealing, infliction of bodily harm, mocking, maybe even coveting of some gifts, over-indulgence (ahem, consumption of too much chocolate)…
But we redeemed ourselves with laughter and with love.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
So hilarious, so much fun, so creative! Thanks for the many smiles;-D
You are welcome. Billie Jo does the BEST job planning this Christmas party every year. And, Jesse, well, he’s some artist.
The results are fun for all and such a ‘hoot’!!!!
I honestly do not think they would hold this annual Christmas party without me in attendance.
Yes……all ‘characters’ MUST be in attendance!!!!!!!!
Way to go, Jesse! The photo of you two is hilarious!
I agree. Hilarious. I will have it on display for awhile before packing the frame away for next year’s Christmas party gift exchange. I am already contemplating ideas and welcome any suggestions to feature Jesse’s picture. The idea will have to be really good to outshine his creativity.
Ha! – What a Hilarious Time:)
That it was.
Oh such fun…and games! Love the framed photo of you and Randy 🙂
We meet once a month and play games. I enjoy the socializing aspect as much, OK, more, than the games.
As for that photo, Jesse has now set a new standard for the photos that will be slid into that circulating photo frame.
It was definitely a lot of fun, and I’m sorry I missed it! It’s nice to have something to look forward to though ;^). I’m sure you’ll be up to the task. Thanks for chronicling the event.
It will be tough to top your creativity. But I have a year to come up with an idea.
You wouldn’t be talking about too much chocolate…pie, would you?
Oh, no, no, NO, Mandy, I can never eat to much of that chocolate tofu pie you make. It’s just that I also had a portion of Billie Jo’s peanut butter/chocolate dessert and then a peanut butter/chocolate candy.
Yeah…no one saved me any! What’s with that??
Ummm, we thought only of our selfish selves apparently.