I’m trying really hard to get into the holidays. Last year, I totally tapped out. I didn’t have it in me. I honestly don’t want a repeat of that, but it is hard. I just don’t feel particularly festive. I am trying, though. I even did Christmas cards this year!
I happened to go outside last night and caught sight of my new neighbors a few doors down and their Christmas decorations. All I can say is they have the spirit. I believe my exact words were, “Nice work, Griswalds.”
Seriously, it was a feast for the eyes. They have more than a dozen inflatables accompanied by various other lawn ornaments. The lights are mesmerizing—all the colors flashing and some that appear to be strobe lights and perhaps a disco ball. Thank goodness I don’t have epilepsy. I fear a seizure would certainly be triggered.
Please understand I’m not dissing this. I admire the fuck out of people with this sort of holiday spirit.
Early in our marriage, we were more festive. We did outdoor lights. For a couple of years, I even had multiple trees. Those days are long gone. This year, I struggled to decorate the mantle.
What’s changed? I honestly don’t know. I just dread the thought of taking down the tree from the moment I put the damn thing up. I like looking at the decorations well enough, but not enough to stave off my displeasure of having to put it all up again come January.
That may be the rub. I fucking hate January. January is the month of doom that goes on forever. It’s cold. It’s gray. There is nothing to look forward to. I hate January with the intensity of 1,000 suns.
I’ve always enjoyed the holidays, but I have always hated what follows. Two months of cold and dread. And oh, the unending gray. Kentucky winters are the grayest. I long for some sun.
Enough of projecting the future. I’m striving to live in the present. In the next few weeks, I will get to spend time with most of my family and many friends. That is a lot to be grateful for. I appreciate that.
The holidays aren’t about all the decorations and fanciness. It is about the people. I do love my people.
So, I’m going to do my best to not think about taking down the tree every time I walk past it. Instead, I want to look forward to my daughter coming home from college, baking Christmas cookies and laughing with all those I love.
I know I will be sad at times thinking about those I miss and the festivities being over. Right now, I will do my best to enjoy the journey and love the ones I’m with.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
