The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

So, it is that time again. You know the time - it's that season that people love - or hate. It is the season that is meant to be all about love and family and community and good will and sharing and happy spirits. That's right folks - it is nigh on the Yuletide season!

Here's the thing....I always struggle with this season. Always! I have no reason to, except perhaps for the vein of cynicism that threads throughout my soul. I know that deep inside me there is a part of me that loves the fairy-tale feelings of the season. What's not to love about a season where people are giving things - and receiving things - and loving their neighbours - and celebrating life - and sitting in front of fireplaces singing carols together - and experiencing delusions of Christmas past, and present and future. What? You mean that was not based upon a true story? jeeeze...the things I believe.

There are parts of this season I like. For example, I love waiting for the Yuletide snowfall. There is something about the childlike wonder and excitement of the snowfall right before Santa comes. I am sure Hollywood has a lot to do with this excitement and visions that I am pulling from the memories of holiday made-for-tv specials that come to me as though they are my very own memories. But still, they are fun and fond memories. I also love getting together with my family. It is the only time of year we are together, and despite the fact that it is not all of us (my bro is in California with his new life) I still get to feel like I am a part of a family. That is something I rarely feel, as my family has always been non traditional. We don't do holidays, we don't do birthdays, we don't get in each others business, we don't fight on the holidays. OH WAIT! That's a GOOD thing!

There are many things I could do without this season as well. I could do without people being cranky and stressy because they are being forced to do things they don't want to do. (Like shopping for that perfect gift they can't afford!) I could do without the corporate parties and all the pretentious crap they bring. Best thing? My new employer doesn't do that. YAY FOR CHEAP EXECUTIVES! I could do without the Secret Santas, the cards we are obligated to give relative strangers, the lack of parking spaces, the additional traffic on Sundays, and the general feelings of anxiety and angst that permeate the air. And most of all? I could do without the piped in Christmas songs that are playing in EVERY. FREAKING. STORE. especially because they started November 1st. I am tired of them already!

So, less than a month until it is over for another year. I am going to try my best this year to feel some semblance of Yuletide spirit, and not be such a grinch. I am going to attempt to shake off the inner Scrooge, and feel happy and spirited and festive for the next month or so. I am going to wrap presents in pretty paper with ribbons and bows and allow the sparkle and colours of those gifts to lighten up my mood. And most importantly, I am going to hold onto the spirit of the season and remember that Yule is not just about gifts and greed and corporate success, but it is instead about the return of the sun, the hope of a fruitful year ahead, and the love of friends and family.

Now pass the punch bowl so I can barf.