Seasonal Post Warning: Less Cynicsm Than Usual
So, Christmas.
As a child, I'm not ashamed to admit that this was "Free Stuff" time of year. Honestly, it was. I'd sort of behave year-round, maybe make a better effort around christmas, and then there would be visits with friends and family and I could always count on getting stuff.
Sounds bad, right? Well, come on. As a child, you may view it in these terms. The only religious part was christmas mass, which entailed maybe seeing folks I hadn't seen in a while, and dressing up nice and actually watching dad go to church.
Now, though, I have a job and make good money. Honestly, here's the cynical breakdown of christmas gift-getting:
I am a Child
I help dad pick out a present for mom, and help mom pick out presents for dad and brother. You could probably put some quotes on the 'help' since I'm just spending time, no money.
I go to a handful of family christmas celebrations and recieve gifts. Hooray! Free Stuff!
I am an Adult with a Job
There are peope I must buy presents for. Math-wise, it's something like this: How much can I budget; who gets bigger stuff and who gets smaller stuff?
If I were inclined to be truly cynical, this is where it's no longer 'free stuff' time-of-year. I am expected to buy presents for people, and they in turn give me presents. If I wish to be truly pragmatic and cynical, I'll realize I'm basically spending a bunch of money and gambling for what I get back.
I am not that cynical. When I was a boy, I thought as a boy and acted as a boy. And when I became a man...I took that boy out back and shot him in the back of the head.
The Reveal
No, the 'I am not that cynical' is not the reveal. Honestly, I have more fun catching up with people and the family. I generally get along with the family very well.
The gifts are secondary. I'd rather get together with family than stay at home and recieve a bunch of packages with 'from X' on them.
So, yeah. Seriously. If I can derive something positive out of the season and a benefit, then SO. CAN. YOU.!
Merry christmas, happy whatver-the-hell, or happy winter-excuse-to-hang-out-with-family-and-stuff day to all.