Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.netThough technically it’s still another week of “holidays”, the Christmas holidays are done and over with. The presents have been opened, and be honest with yourself, you’re mostly disappointed. Okay, maybe that’s a bit too pessimistic, but I think people are much more excited to give than to receive. You’re all full from all the food, and if you’ve no religious denomination, but had to spend time with those who do, you may have had an ass full of that as well. Yes, I’m speaking from personal experience. No offense to them, but too many testimonials and too many uhh, more “traditional” songs/hymns. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, because 80% of the people I was visiting were totally absorbed in the spirit of the season, aka Jesus. That’s definitely not for everyone, including myself, but more power to them. Either way it’s all over, and we can move on with our lives. Yay?
The sad thing is, is that it’s all so abrupt. We have one day where we have a cordial visit from family and friends, and it’s the one time of the year where we care about each other and then forget the next 364 days. It is an odd thing to realize that our relationships with our relatives are relegated to these fleeting moments. “Hey Uncle…what’s your name again? Oh yeah, I’m doing well. How’re the kids? Good, good.” It’s a little awkward, it’s a little nice, and it’s over just like that. I get why it happens, but does it really have to always be this way? Though in all honesty, I kind of prefer it this way, but again, I can see why people would want more.
Then there are those of us who spent it alone. Many on reddit seem to think that it’s such an unusual phenomenon, when people do it all the time. Look at MMOs, or on Modern Warfare 3. There were probably plenty of people online just whiling away the Christmas holiday with their own ready made meal and some mercs under their belt. In a way I envy them. To avoid some of the awkwardness of having to deal with family you haven’t seen in years or possibly being forced to listen to music and or prayers that you normally don’t participate in the rest of the year. It’s easier, simpler, and you avoid small talk and just relax with your favorite movie, book, or tv series. No qualms, no responsiblities, and no clean up. That sounds kind of nice.
Maybe I’m strange, but there’s something to be said about being around a lot of family and friends and sharing gifts and mead and meat and just laughing and being jovial. It’s not for everyone, but it can be nice every once in awhile. And since this holiday only comes once a year, it’s not so bad. It’s a way to recognize and remember that other people in our families exist, if only for a day.
Lastly, the gifts. This time of year is MOSTLY about the gifts and secondly about the getting together. Coworkers, friends, relatives, it’s probably the most stressful and most exciting time to get those people something that they’d like. Maybe it’s just me, but the most exciting part is giving the gift rather than receiving. I really like the idea of giving something awesome and seeing the reaction. Of course, you’re not always going to hit a bullseye, but if you can give an amazing gift to most people, even if it’s just a freaking hug, that’s well worth it.
Well, in the morning, it’s back to the grind. That saddens me to no end, but what can you do? I hope you all took the week off, are recovering from all the food, family and friends and are doing something YOU want to do. Because if there’s one person we forget about during the holidays, it’s ourselves, which isn’t really a bad thing. But before the new year, do something fantastic for yourself whatever it is. Me? I’m going to uhh…sleep now.
