Merry Christmas

In the past, I have written here about my general mode of operation during the holiday season. I don't have the best history with Christmas (or Thanksgiving for that matter), having tried many a year over to not fall into depression, and rarely succeeding. There's a history behind it all, but it's something that I seem to fight every time this season comes 'round again.

This year has been different, however. At first I thought it was the distraction of having projects to work on, until I realized that this has been true the last several years as well. What I finally concluded is that it's been my own build up to the holiday, or rather the lack thereof this year.

Virtual holiday cookies... they are far less calorie dense in this form. :)

Normally, I feel my emotions heighten leading up to the big day. I am not exactly certain why I experience this intensification, but I always have some sort of expectation for the day, while this year I have not. I don't expect gifts or things, but rather a day that it just is not - and I have no one to blame for that but myself.

We put up a tree and decorated, donated to organizations in need, and even made baked goods to distribute to friends. The biggest difference has been in my own head though: I have no expectation for the season or the day this year. It's almost as though I've viewed it as any other day, and I think it's been highly beneficial.

I'm actually disturbed by how easy it has been to keep stress away and remain sane this season. This is not to boast by any means, but more to express my own surprise with this realization that I don't have to let the season take control of my state of being. Peaceful is the word I'd use to describe my mental state, which is absolutely fantastic.

Whether you are enjoying a bit of stress, or relaxing without care, I hope you find happiness in the holiday and the season. If you revel in large amounts of family or prefer to celebrate on a much smaller scale, may you find your own joy however you choose to spend your day.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!