Jingle this...

No, Nov. 17 is not an appropriate time to hear Christmas music out in public.

Back in the old days, Christmas wasn't shoved down your throat by retailers until after Thanksgiving. Now, with a struggling economy, most retailers are pushing that shit right after Halloween (which has become waaaaaaaaay too commercialized as well). Today at lunch, I got into the "bah-humbug" spirit after hearing Christmas carols. It's not even freakin' winter yet. Can't they at least wait until next week?

Holidays aren't going to be the same for me this year. That's a given. Thanksgiving plans are being firmed up — I'm working that day, but I should be able to get my hands on some turkey, thanks to the kindness of friends. I'd rather have a three-day weekend anyway.

I've always believed that if you're going to give, you should do it all year. Charities and those less fortunate need help all year long, not just around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes, this is the time of year when we tend to think about that sort of thing. But when it comes to giving gifts, I generally don't need a reason. If I see something I think someone will enjoy, and I can afford it, I'll buy it. I don't expect anything in return. If someone is able to bring me happiness, then it's the least I can do.

But you shouldn't have to give gifts to embody the holiday spirit. That's what retailers would have you believe, and the commercialization of the season is pretty disgusting. Spend, spend, spend. Go further into debt because boy, the woman in your life isn't going to think you love her unless you buy her a new car or diamonds and gold. Sheesh. Where the hell does that stuff come from? Ad agencies. Sales reps are the bane of all existence and should be exterminated. Yes, it's personal with me on that one. Still, I don't need shiny things to know I'm loved. I don't need to spend huge sums of money for the guy in my life to know I love him dearly because I tell him as often as I can.

As for being thankful, well, that's a daily thing for me. I don't take people for granted. I let them know they're appreciated. Having a husband walk out on you will do that. And oddly enough, I'm grateful he did that. If he hadn't left, I wouldn't be where I am now. It's an odd twist of fate, but I've never been happier — not even going back to the earliest days of when the ex and I first got together. I have a remarkable man in my life, and I'll be damned if I want to let him go. My life isn't perfect; I don't own a house, I'm not a domestic goddess, I don't make a six-figure salary. But dammit, it's my life and I'm happy. I have something to look forward to every day when I wake up. I feel good about myself, and while a bit of a strain at times, I know I make a difference at work. But work stays at the office; that's been key for me. I'm A LOT more upbeat about life these days, and guess why. If I'm down and need to smile, I just think of my guy. Fancy that.

So no, I don't need Christmas carols or ad campaigns or gifts to get into the spirit of the season. Friends and family are what matter. True friends are always there for you; family should be there for you regardless. And lovers, well … I don't post everything here, you know.

I got yer hohoho right here.

Posted: Thu - November 18, 2004 at 01:22 AM