Tis the Season

Well there it is. She went up a little later than usual this year, but Christmas can now take place. Presents can be put under the tree. The cats can nervously investigate until they end up sleeping all night underneath it. And I can spend 25 minutes clearing a path behind it to the plug so that I don't burn down our house every night.

Christmas used to be my favorite time of year. Come on, presents, time off from school, and did I mention presents? Now I think my favorite time of year is Thanksgiving. It's Christmas without the hassle.

Receiving gifts is no longer that important to me. I get my highs from getting someone that one thing they really wanted and seeing them light up when they realize what it is. That gets harder and harder every year though. I'm almost done with my shopping this year, but swimming amongst the bipedal piranhas has been a less than uplifting experience.

Did I mention not having a job and people getting me stuff that makes me feel uncomfortable. It's part of my nature, that I have to at least get close to giving them something of similar value or meaning. Being practically broke makes this difficult. I feel guilty that I can't just run out and spend as much as I want on them.

Wow, setting up that tree really brought me down.