We decided to liven up our Christmas Eve with a visit to the urgent care to check for strep throat. The good news is that no one has it. The bad news is that this tidbit of information cost $100 and two hours of time. But at least we didn’t leave empty handed. We determined that all the kids have normal blood pressure after they all begged for the nurse to use the cool cuff machine on them. And I got a fistful of just-in-case antibiotic prescriptions, which I will now file against future weekend or holiday antibiotic needs. If my kids get sick on weekdays I’m happy to take them to the doctor, but I’d rather give someone unnecessary antibiotics than spend $400 in emergency room fees to get a prescription.
The call to take everyone in to be checked was mine. I’m usually a better judge than this. But I didn’t want to be kicking myself on Christmas day wishing that I’d gotten the sore throats checked today. The trip was actually a cheerful one. Kiki grabbed the pair of Nintendo DS and I brought the wonderful mini DVD player that we were given last year. We managed to all stay occupied and cheerful throughout the visit. I’m counting it as family time.
Later tonight we’ll have our more traditional Christmas Eve events.
I think S and I joined the party from afar. Always right before a major holiday. ‘Tis the season!
What unusual Christmas traditions you have.
Honestly though, it’s worth it to know that nobody has it and now you can get snowed in without worrying about it.