Speaking of this holiday kick, what is with the holiday stuff going up so early?? I mean, I figured it's because Hanukah starts REALLY early this year, so we want to maximize buying potential. (We being corporate America). This year, we're not buying gifts - simply not going to happen with me not working. So I'm using my newfound talent for knitting and everyone is getting a scarf. LOL. If I can manage hand warmers and hats, even better. It's a relaxing activity. I'm just hoping I can get everyone's done in time.
I've also gotten a lot of questions about the holidays. The Mr. and I stay in CA for the holidays and don't go back to NY. My parents came once (I think) for Christmas and it was exhausting. I don't go back to NY simply because I just don't like it much anymore. I love the holidays and spending time in the touristy areas, seeing the nutcracker, doing all those fun holiday things.
I HATE the running around that happens for our entire stay, and we end up having to take time off and/or getting sick upon our return.
But I recognize it for what it is. It's a holiday that's gotten way too commercialized that the meaning of all of the holidays has gotten so lost that we don't celebrate the traditional way. We're not *gasp* Christian, my husband doesn't subscribe to any particular faith and more and more I'm considering myself a Unitarian Universalist and can't wait until I'm not sick so I can start volunteering.
This year might be different as I may go to my congregation's service, but other than that, things stay the same. I decorate and play annoying Christmas music (it's what I grew up with), while the Mr. grumbles about how it's silly to decorate for a month, since I refuse to decorate until the day after Thanksgiving.
I'm not going to go all crazy, because it defeats the purpose of not celebrating in a traditional way. I just like the lights. I would like something simple like this:
Additionally, the body can't take it. I doubt it's a good idea for someone on chemo to get on a plane. Yes, people do it every day, but I don't want to be miserable for my entire trip. And every year I go back east or somewhere cold for a conference around this time of year and without fail I develop pleurisy, which requires steroids, which I am trying to stop taking. And the cold makes my bones hurt. I swear, I sound like an 80 year old woman.
Both holidays have dubious starts, but for me it's about friendship and family. Whatever the reason, we as a society come together for funerals, weddings, births, anniversaries, etc. But we don't celebrate each other and the special relationship that we have with each other. I love presents but hate the gift grab that it's turned out to be. I would rather give and get things with love than a present just to buy a present. Every stitch I'm putting into those scarves are imbued with good intentions for the year. I'm giving because I love to give presents, not because I feel I owe anyone.
Actually, I bought one gift for my girl runchiquitarun who is expecting a baby soon. I saw it at world market and it cracked me up. It technically can be a gift for the whole family, but that's all I'm saying about that.
On the writing front, since I'm not going to be attached to an IV for three hours, I'm going to force myself to write today, as soon as I'm done with some cleaning. I am not going to let today go buy without writing at least 2000 words. Ambitious for me, but whatever. Gotta challenge yourself, right?
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