category: philosophy
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philosophy: Dec-24-2007
Don't Call Me Scrooge or Grinch
Just because I don't deck my halls or kill myself shopping
My reasons for not cluttering my life with plastic ornaments and flashing lights has nothing to do with an emotional deficiency. I want to make that clear because so many people see my home and wonder why there is no tree or baby Jesus or some such thing. Others seem genuinely upset with me when I tell them that my minimal shopping chores were done weeks ago.
Simply put, I just do not see the need for all the trappings of Christmas. Oh sure, in my younger years, I used to love all those crazy holiday traditions. Bright lights, ornaments and corny music all used to fill my heart with glee. But as time went by I realized that what I love about the holidays had nothing to do with the material aspects. The gathering of loved ones and the celebrations are what I treasure. This way of thinking has made my life easier as well.
As for the shopping, a lot of people get on my case about this but the truth is, I only buy gifts for a very select few. That's it. And of those, most get cash. Cold? Heartless? Not at all. I ask you, is it any better to fight the blissfully violent crowds struggling for that last whatever on some shelf, only to find what you bought was not what the recipient wanted? The joyfulness is not lost just because the gift comes in an envelope.
Of course the little environmentalist in me also has a say in this choice of mine. I try to avoid adding to all that plastic and miles of wasted wrapping paper (most of which is not recycled). I've been pulling from the same roll of wrapping paper for the past four years. I don't send cards for the same reasons. With e-cards and other ways to spread holiday joy, I simply do not see the need for it all.
So before you judge me or offer me some form of holiday pity, understand that when I smile at you and say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas" or even "Happy Festivus" that I truly mean it. Really I do. Just don't expect to see my halls decked or hear my speakers blaring carols. Although I have been known to adorn a Santa hat, when properly provoked.