This year, I didn't send Christmas cards.
It's not that I didn't want to, so much as the fact that I kind of suck at it. I tend to overthink things like written sentiments and, as such, end up never getting much more than a few out before the deadline, if any at all. This year, I make a decision; I wouldn't send any out.
Christmas has lost some of its zing for me, over the years. As a small child, I can remember how special the holiday season felt, starting out with a long weekend that revolved around cooking a ridiculously oversized bird, leading into several weeks worth of toy commercials and impatience, to be capped off with gatherings of family, another large meal, and an exchange of gifts. Granted, the pile of electronic toys and books and other paraphernalia was a large part of the distraction from normal life, but the gatherings of family and friends and the stories they had to share were definitely the best parts.
Gift-giving for the holidays is traditional, yes, but anymore it seems like we view it as an obligation. If you don't believe that, plop yourself in the middle of a crowded store at three in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and watch the expressions on the faces of the shoppers. They are there because they forgot something, discovered they didn't get an equal share for everyone, or just plain haven't started shopping, yet. By that time, the need to get something--anything--for the people on their list degenerates from picking out something thoughtful to just wandering the aisles and grabbing the first thing that isn't quite so hideous as to cause their ostracism, whether temporary or permanent. This is, of course, what drives the rush on the post-Christmas "return week".
Beyond all of that, though, is the "War on Christmas" that we hear so much about. "Around here, we say 'Merry Christmas'!" That's fine. Just don't forget that, between November 1st and January 15th, seven of the world's major religions are celebrating around 29 different holidays. That includes Pagans, whose traditions provided the formative DNA for many Catholic celebrations and observations. If someone offers a "Happy Hanukkah" or even a "Brightest Blessings", it's not because they want to oppress your beliefs; unless they are clairvoyant, they have no idea what you celebrate. They are simply offering their traditional greeting for peace and unity of the season. Return the favor and get on with your life, happy in the knowledge that someone thought well of you that day. Remember, the word "holiday" is derived from the old English "hāligdæg ", meaning "Holy Day".
To all of my friends and family, those I see often, and those I seldom see anymore, I wish you an excellent holiday and a joyous Yule. May your gatherings be filled with stories both enthralling and embarrassing (those are the best, sometimes), and may you see good health and prosperity in the coming New Year. Know that you are missed, for all the days that we are apart, and that the fleeting times we may speak in the electronic realm are never enough.
God bless the master of this house and the mistress also,
And all the little children that 'round your table grow.
The cattle in your stable, the dog by your front door,
And all that dwell within your gates, we wish you ten times more.
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