Seems like everyone is caught up in this whole holiday season thing. As for me, I’m sitting at the humbug table, pretty much devoid of Christmas Spirit. I just can’t get into it the way I used to. It’s overexposed, and I’m lashing back. I’ve outgrown the childhood wonder of it, when it was all about the reindeer and ornaments and pretty paper. These days I’m too bitter and jaded to get starry-eyed and the holiday no longer seems to offer much apart from crowded stores, wretched traffic, and endless hackneyed platitudes on television.
I dig the whole peace/joy/goodwill vibe, but that’s pretty much crushed under the weight of crass consumerism. I’m not religious so the Jesus factor doesn’t really interest me. I stopped liking snow when I got my driver’s license and I’ll be happy if I never scrape another windshield. Most carols don’t hold up to the repetition. I like turkey and stuffing, but I like stuffed-crust meat-lovers’ pizza just as much. I’ve never been the decorating type so if I do dig out the wreath it hangs on the inside of the door, and only for a few days. Of course I still like presents (giving as well as receiving), but my family and social circles are very small so it’s hardly an extravaganza.
But, ’tis the season and all, so best wishes for whichever solstice-timed cultural celebrations you engage in. I’m just ready for it to be over.