So, as you may have guessed by the song title… this is going to be about dealing with the chronic condition we call ‘the holidays’. In fact, I’m starting to note a pattern from previous years; I might have a theme album started here, folks.

I whole-heartedly admit, I want the dream to be real. I want to feel that same joy so many people feel this time of year. I want to feel the warmth of cherished family gatherings (Aunt Martha’s bringing her famous Pinto Bean Pie again this year, and Uncle Walter has promised to keep the racist jokes to a minimum). I want to sleigh-ride through a perfectly snow-flocked countryside in my new downy coat, as nature’s critters hop alongside (but it will need to be rocket-powered. I’m allergic to horses. The critters probably need to keep their distance too). Or how about the excitement of discovering a new Lexus in the drive (because commercials speak of truths, and Santa really does love me).

Unfortunately, I’m not able to lose myself to these magical ideas.

I’m not a big fan of big family. I’m sure I’m the odd duck, but our life views are very different, and we’re about as compatible as oil and water. So I created my own little family… and there is where I happily dwell.

I don’t much enjoy holiday parties. I know these are very important to many people, but as vocal as I am here on SC, I’m very introverted out there in the world. Large social gatherings are not a pleasant space for me. (A little introvert/extrovert gauge I’ve always liked. You can tell which one you are, and to what degree, by how much you are drained/charged while in social situations.)

And I can’t seem to get excited for ‘Christmas’. I’m not religious, so I’m not a part of that celebratory circle (don’t get me wrong. I dearly admire Jesus, and the Buddha and Muhammad; as well as anybody else who ever taught love, compassion and peace). My childhood memories have proven faulty. Frosty the Snowman is now an hour long (although I’m pretty sure commercials are 75% of that). I have a funny feeling it’s not supposed to be about shopping. I’m pretty sure Black Friday was not a part of the originally scripted holiday (However, Cyber Monday may actually pre-date Christmas). And try as I might, I just can’t seem to buy enough happiness. I’m always one present short of perfect bliss. I just know it.

Nope. This is one holiday that just doesn’t jive with me, and I know I’m not alone… And I think I have the solution (so I’d appreciate it if we could all just sign off on this one, and move on). :D

Let’s let those of us who love the holidays continue to celebrate them whole-heartedly. And let’s let those of us who don’t, politely excuse ourselves from the festivities. If participation is optional, the people who join in will be surrounded by like-minded friends and family who truly want to be there. And no disrespect meant from those not attending, but you’re truly better off without us. We get a little tweaky; and we’re way too glad you have a wet bar. ;)

I guess what I’m saying is, I really do believe it’s ok to enjoy this. But I also believe it’s ok not to. It’s ok to need a little extra space between you and the holiday noise. And doing what you need to do to keep yourself sane (shy of being destructive) is really ok too. I suspect we’re so busy trying to prove to others how much we love them, we forget to love ourselves. Depression slips in. Guilt follows. We all have to do what we have to do to proceed through the next month. A little understanding; a little forgiveness; a little love. These might be the best gifts we can give each other.

I hope you enjoy my latest holiday treat, ‘Sedation - A Christmas Miracle’. :)