Christmas in California is depressing

[illbecomeyou]

It's Christmas time all around, but I'm having trouble finding that Christmas cheer this year. There's no snow; I can't even really say that it's cold outside, as temps in the 50s are barely cold enough to be called "chilly." My first Christmas away from family is gnawing on my holiday spirit. I miss hugs and christmas cookies, and family members yacking and catching up on the times and getting lost in memories of past years. I miss relatives I can't stand, cousins I never see and being asked the same questions over and over by any and all members of the family. I miss my mom singing christmas songs non-stop, my dads holiday food and my grandpas chocolate turtles. I miss playing cards until the middle of the night and getting drunk with the extended family. I miss my grandma who gets shorter every year and the customary kiss on the cheek she has given me every time I have come to visit no matter my age. I miss family. I miss snowball fights with my brothers, snow forts with my friends and sliding on ice and snow. I'm craving a midwest winter from my past.

christmas lights on a palm tree is a depressing sight to me

It just doesn't feel like Christmas without all of you. Here's to a Merry Christmas for all. God Bless.

Paul