It’s December again, which means one thing when you’re in a region Australian town.
Tacky decorations everywhere.
I am someone who doesn’t really celebrate the holidays. Sure, we have some drinks, play board games and have a good meal, but that’s about it.
No big family event, no decorations, nothing too extreme — and that’s what I love.
But everything else feels a bit weird.
Everything around us is slowing down, my partner’s basketball is on break, shops are putting out their holiday hours, Santa is everywhere.
I don’t particularly mind it, it’s just weird to have everything back off when in your mind, nothing has changed.
It’s also weird when you work public holidays; you call someone and they go “why are you calling me on a public holiday?”.
“I forgot” is the real reason. To me, it’s just a regular day.
One of my biggest gripes with the holiday period is the sympathy you get when you say you don’t celebrate it.
It is a religious holiday, I am not religious. Why would I celebrate it?
I’ve had people ask me what I’m doing for Christmas and when I reply that I won’t do anything really, I always get sympathy.
I just don’t get it. Why do people feel the need to feel bad for me when I am just having a chill one.
No, I don’t have any extended family coming; no, I won’t have a party; and no, I will not be bringing out a Christmas turkey.
But that’s how I like it. Calm. Relaxed.
I mean, in general, I get the Christmas spirit. You get to buy gifts for people and dress up and listen to funky tunes, but it’s not for me.
You know what else isn’t for me? Overconsumption.
When looking real deep into my soul, the thing I can’t stand is the absolute capitalists’ dream that is the holiday period.
Every year people buy tat. T-shirts, tinsel, mugs, the works.
It is all for one day, when you think about it — and don’t get my started on the environmental impact of it all.
It’s just not worth it.
In my humble opinion, I have got Christmas nailed.
My family and I have got it down to what’s important: time together and day-drinking.
So, if you feel pressured to buy lots of stuff and get new things, just remember that there’s no correct way to enjoy the holidays.
As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Unless there’s glitter. I hate glitter.