Sunday, January 9, 2011

Oh, holidays...

Despite the fact that I created this blog for a semester-long creative writing class that is now complete, and every single thing I've written in here up until now has been for a grade, I've decided that I might as well continue writing in this thing--mostly so that I don't become a rusty writer, but also because blogging, like journaling, is kind of fun in a pensive, narcissistic sort of way.

Anywho, I should probably mention something about Christmas and New Year: they were both good. I could go on about all of the wonderful gifts I received on Christmas, and all of the alcohol I consumed on New Year, but I don't think I will, because Christmas presents and New-Year-booze are really just holiday fringe benefits.
At the heart of the holiday season, it isn't about what you get, it's about who you connect with (yeah, I know how goddamn cheesy that sounds, but you know I'm right). I mean, think about it. People stress the fuck out during the holidays. They spend all of their money on gifts and honey ham, they eat their weight in chocolate, and they dress up for parties they don't want to go to. It can be torturous and overwhemling, but all of the stress is met with reward on Christmas morning.
What I love most about the morning of December 25th is that rare, distraction-free connection I have with my family. With the television turned off, and cell phones and computers tucked away, we are all able to focus on our shared happiness and togetherness. It is the one time during the year when the delight of giving and receiving overpowers all of the other shit that comes with being human. It's pure, it's simple, it's cliche as hell--but I fucking love Christmas. The same can be said of celebrating the New Year, too. Just replace family with friends and gifts with alcohol and voila! An excuse to celebrate and be together.



Some New Year togetherness.