Holiday shmoliday
Sometimes I get so wrapped up in a blog post concept that I stop blogging otherwise. I chalk it up to my obsessive nature; once I get an idea in my head, it’s hard for me to let it rest until it’s purged, in this case by writing about it. I will work on that in the new year, the learning how to relax my focus on some ideas in order to keep the rest of the blog running smoothly and consistently. And if you think that isn’t a metaphor for my life in general, well.
This month has just flown by for me. Last month did, too. My job has found a way to ratchet itself up a few notches. I’m so busy at work that once I hit the gym and get home, I don’t have a lot of time or energy for much else. The good news is that I’ve been able to take some time to focus on my own health and happiness, which is something I’ve been historically bad at doing. The bad news is that I’ve let some of my social life slide, and as somewhat of a side effect of THAT, I’m left feeling pretty disconnected from the holidays this year. November is my birthday month and Thanksgiving, and I barely managed to do anything for those days, let alone get into the holiday spirit this month.
I think some of it is due to feeling some holiday blues. I haven’t loved the holidays for a few years now; I can’t seem to find a groove or settle into a pattern that I like. The traditions I remember loving celebrating as a kid seem made more for a family. I want my own traditions, but haven’t really figured out what that means to me yet or what those traditions might be. I’m still working on that.
In the meantime, my BFF is in town for a few days, so I get to party with her tonight, and then probably hang out with her again on Christmas Day. My brother & his wife are coming to town on Saturday, and I’m looking forward to that, too. Those people are definitely part of my tribe, part of the group with whom I actually want to spend the holidays. So my weekend is looking pretty laid-back; what are all of you doing for the holidays? Any suggestions for some holiday traditions I can start doing? (Hint: If they involve Bailey’s or vodka, I’m probably already celebrating that way.)
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
A silly thing, left over from my boys, is that I always get new pajamas new wear on Christmas Eve and I always get a new book to read on Christmas Day or thereabouts. Also, this year, I will come home from my sister’s relatively early on Christmas morning and I will do whatever the hell I want to & eat whatever I *want* for Christmas dinner, not a traditional thing. Probably pasta. And also? I have A LOT of DVDs to watch. Cause I ain’t so much feeling the holiday spirit myself.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
FFG: I didn’t get new pajamas (but I bought new boxers a couple of weeks ago, does that count?), but I do have a stack of books. That has come in handy while being under the weather. Next year, I’ll do the PJ thing. If nothing else, I’ll have something new.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I have no plans. This will be the first year I’ve ever celebrated without my children and my extended family. I have invitations out the wazoo, but what I really want to do is curl up at home, with a big ol’ pot of hot buttered rum and an endless loop of movies I love. That’s the plan…let’s see how it works out.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Ashley: I had the same thing going … lots of invites, but none of the ambition. Of course, since I didn’t end up doing anything due to being sick, I now feel ripped off.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
For me the actual holiday is usually about being quiet and decompressing, because I work in a field that requires a lot of long hours leading up to the holiday itself. So I’m all for anything that’s laid back and that feels festive without also feeling draining… I do have children so there’s a family gathering aspect to the experience, but it is also very low key. Simple gifts, simple food, no pressure.
Hmm… you may have just inspired my next blog post… thanks! LOL
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
New tradition: ditch everything and go do the holidays with a chosen family. That’s what I’m going to do from now on. Even if my chosen family just ends up being me. Might be lonely, but at least it wouldn’t be so damn depressing. And it would involve a lot more coffee and a lot less religion.
December 28th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
2010: that’s happening.
let’s start planning it asap so no one can back out.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Rebecca: More coffee + less religion sounds like a good holiday to me. Or maybe it’s just less of my family’s religion that would make me happy, I don’t know.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Just stopping by to say hello. Hope you had fun with your BFF!
xo
SF