chicago at night
You’re welcome to celebrate in your own way, if at all, but I recommend spending the holidays having watched at least one sentimental, cheesy, holiday film. Be it It’s a Wonderful Life or A Charlie Brown Christmas or Love Actually, just make sure you aren’t watching it too intently, since holiday films were meant to be watched in bits & pieces while you actually spend time with important people. It’s the same approach used for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which no one actually watches but everyone has playing in the background while preparing food or giving hugs. We get enough Al Roker as it is.
To make another bold recommendation, don’t stress over the gifts. My error in years past has been to ignore the this-is-what-I-want lists and instead come up with my own this-is-what-I-think-you-actually-want lists. It partially works, for those of us with moderate insight. However, if you’re courageous enough to press on with your gifting ingenuity, then do it early - it will take twice the time coming with something wonderful and then make it happen, compared to just buying the requested DVD box set. Also, remember that ordering online takes time, but it is worth it compared to the prices charged at Target or GAP or what-a-waste-of-your-time-BestBuy. If someone really wants a Pleo, then succumb to the request, but only if the returns and invested interest are equal or greater than what you’re putting out. (The real Pleo’s are overrated anyways).
Finally, savor the people. I don’t thrive on my own, but I get by. I become alive when I can converse with friends and family. When it comes to the holidays, I tend to quietly enjoy the family environment out of nostalgia and my contemplative nature. Plus, now with a baby nephew, I’ll probably just stare at him wondering what he really thinks is going on. Then, I’ll teach him some new words while my sister’s not looking. Before he goes home, he’ll be able to recite off at least one poem by Keats. Or cummings. Both quality poets, worthy of my nephew’s admiration. Anyways, remember that others make the holidays; doing it alone is not worth it.
I know there are a few days left, but I checked my calendar and discovered it’s the 21st. So, there’s still much to do before 2008, but I’ll give my best a bit early this year. Thanks for a wonderful 2007 and all of the things I look forward to next year.