The holidays can be lovely. White snow falling gracefully. A perpetual smell of cookies baking. Champagne is encouraged all hours of the day.
Then there is what the holidays are really like. Running around trying to find the perfect gift for the person you hadn’t really wanted to get a gift for. Decorating a tree alone, like a few of my RSGs did, or being left out of the celebration, like I was. Realizing that even though cookies are all around you really shouldn’t eat them because you live in the real world where cookies make you fat. Plus, it’s like 60 degrees in New England so our dreams of a white christmas are seeming a little far fetched.
If you are like me, then the holidays are a constant reminder of what your life should be like and a screaming voice shouting that you aren’t quite there yet.
As I’ve stated, I truly believe that hypocrisy is the worst of all evils. A bold statement I know. But tell me this, is there anything more wretched than your usually negligent parents acting the perfect part and expecting you to be the perfect daughter? Or going out to the Christmas party where all of your ‘friends’ from high school are because you feel like you should, only to realize that you have absolutely nothing in common with them anymore? Or for the sad few of us who have to split our time between our parents, the constant reminder that we no longer fit the American dream of what a family should be? The holidays are a time to pretend like everything is alright even when everything isn’t. They say Christmas is the time to tell the truth, but only if it comes with a shiny red bow on it.
I’m not usually a cynic, and I do truly love the holidays. All I am trying to say is that if you aren’t looking forward to them this year. Or if you are contemplating sticking your head in the oven rather than the upteenth batch of gingerbread cookies. Don’t fret my darlings. You’re not alone, and you’re not insane (well maybe you are but not for THAT reason).
If anything, take this time to put things into perspective. Or at least take this time to take advantage of the fact that champagne really IS encouraged at all hours of the day. It’s only alcoholism if its after New Years.
Seasons sympathies my dears,
The Wandering Aesthete
