Yuletide spirit?
I've been sort of wondering all day what constitutes "Christmas" or "Yule". It seems to be a time for us to be with important friends and/or family and sending out a ridiculous amount of cards to people. A day to (supposedly) find peace within yourself and resolve for the next year to come. Or at least to stuff your face full of good food and be with loved ones.
But is it really "Christmas" if you are far from you family and friends and have no one to spend that 'precious' time with? If your only plans are to buy Chinese food, a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and watch non-Christmasy movies all day long by your lonesome?
Should it just be a day like any other day? Sort of like Valentine's Day when you are single and don't want to think about it?
I'm just not sure what to think about the holidays this year. I got a couple of presents from my folks and bro before I left California but those felt a lot more like going-away gifts rather than holiday presents. There was no tree or wrapping or pie. I suppose I should just resign myself to my fate - I chose this path after all - and think of it as any other day. I only have Christmas eve and day off and the rest of the time I'm back at work so at least it won't be a long vacation. That's... good, I guess.
But is it really "Christmas" if you are far from you family and friends and have no one to spend that 'precious' time with? If your only plans are to buy Chinese food, a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and watch non-Christmasy movies all day long by your lonesome?
Should it just be a day like any other day? Sort of like Valentine's Day when you are single and don't want to think about it?
I'm just not sure what to think about the holidays this year. I got a couple of presents from my folks and bro before I left California but those felt a lot more like going-away gifts rather than holiday presents. There was no tree or wrapping or pie. I suppose I should just resign myself to my fate - I chose this path after all - and think of it as any other day. I only have Christmas eve and day off and the rest of the time I'm back at work so at least it won't be a long vacation. That's... good, I guess.