Holiday Roundup 12.23

It is Friday, so there should be an article roundup. And there will be. A little, happy one. At the end of this post.

When it comes to the holidays, I am a little bit like my dog, George, in this picture. I would rather ignore its existence. The holidays and I have a rocky history and in years gone by I usually was the one kid (besides the ones who didn't celebrate Christmas at all) who flat out stated she didn't want a Christmas tree. I would take presents, but not all the goo-goo-ga-ga-omg-its-xmas hoopalou (p.s. not sure I even know what that means). Besides, TV had taught me that Christmas was supposed to look and feel a certain way. People were supposed to be happy. Families got together despite crazy odds. The trees were supposed to be big and expertly decorated. I was supposed to have a little brother who woke up with me at 5am. TV lied to me and so I was mad. I would boycott the holiday instead. I was Scrooge and The Grinch all in one.

This year, I have a small fake xmas tree and a small, living, plant that is like a xmas tree. I had a little holiday party and got presents for my family two weeks ago. I sent out holiday cards and made my dog wear a santa hat for the card's photo shoot. I've been trying. Trying. Keyword.

This Christmas will be different. My dad is coming to my apartment and we will be having our first father-daughter only xmas. I will be cooking. My dropping out of grad school will come up. This may mean disaster. Or amazingness. We shall see.

I am still a bit of a Scrooge. I really want to go to yoga class Christmas morning (and there is a class, but that may be rude, right? Like, peace out Dad, I'm going to yoga...?). I am mad that certain restaurants and stores will be closing early tomorrow. And don't get me started on New Year's. The Grinch in me is like, 'Fine, have xmas, but the hate will return on New Year's Eve'.

I guess my point is...if I have a point...is that the holidays are a weird time for me and for others I assume. I am not excited for them, but I am not loathing them this year either. I am patiently waiting for January 2nd to come and normalcy to return though. Until that time I will be trying to focus on the love, compassion, and general goodwill that becomes present this time of year.

So love! Compassion! Goodwill! To all!

Now a few articles to foster all that lovey-dovey stuff:

The Laughing Heart a poem by Charles Bukowski

Callin' Oates: The Hotline You Don't Need (But Might Call Anyway)

The Best Holiday/Military Photo You Will See Today

Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Sitting and Watching

Kathryn Schulz On Regret