As my sister, my dad, and I make our way to Wisconsin, the traffic is slim for the majority of this 13 hour haul. But, then we come to Chicago--the dreaded city of constant traffic jams. Our Christmas station mulls in the background, attempting to keep some resemblance of a Christmas spirit going. The chronicle of songs it plays perfectly describes our traffic jam-attitude progression.

1. Wonderful Christmastime (Straight No Chaser version)

At this point we are still excited! We're racing through tolls and joyfully discussing Christmas plans. We don't know what's awaiting us ahead, and we think that in four short hours, we will be in WI.

2. You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch

This is the blaming stage. This traffic jam is someone's fault and WE WILL find out who caused this. Everyone in the car becomes more annoying, and every car around us has become a hostile force.

3. Blue Christmas

After the anger wears off, depression sets in. We realize that nothing can be done, and we are stuck. Christmas is ruined. No reaction is too dramatic.

4. Dominick The Donkey

Delusion sets in and everything turns into a form of entertainment. This song is super odd--in a traffic jam is the main times when I enjoy it. I have given up anger and sadness and am now at a state of mind numbness.

5. Jingle Bells by Barbara Streisand

It's over! Life is good again! This fast version of Jingle Bells is just the thing to get us moving and back to a state of excitement.

Christmas can now proceed.