Merry Christmas from the Wandering Weirdos!
2019 is almost over and that means it’s almost Christmas. From our family to yours, have a Merry, Weird, Wonderful Christmas.
We’re those weirdos who even inflict the holiday cheer on the dogs.
We’ve decked the halls, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and the Christmas camper is displayed with care.
I even wrote a little ditty for Instagram:
Holiday Cheer Can Become Holiday Anxiety
Kids these days are emotional vomiting all over the social medias about their struggles with depression, anxiety, ADD, and everything else. And while I think it’s great that we’re talking about these things more, it feels like if you’re not comfortable posting your every emotional hangup on social media, it isn’t real. So be kind to everyone. As the saying goes: “be kind, everyone is fighting their own battle.”
For me, I love the twinkling lights and peppermint flavored everything and the Christmas music and sappy Christmas movies, but this time of year stresses me the f–k out. Money is tight for us around the holidays and gift-giving is not my love language. Every time I get a gift, my anxiety explodes.
Behold my inner monologue: SHIT! I didn’t get you anything! I DIDN’T KNOW WE WERE DOING THIS
Or worse: This is amazing! The piece of crap I bought for you does not compare in any way, shape or form! Please don’t think I hate you! Why am I so bad at this??
Or even: That’s the most insincere ‘thank you’ I’ve ever heard. You hate it, don’t you? Geez, Sam, you’re such friggin idiot.”
And: Great … thanks for this … thing … that I will never use and will now collect dust and take up more space.
Not to mention all the credit card debt American’s accrue this time of year. Enough with the insanity!
I get it, some of you genuinely love, love, love, giving gifts and really don’t expect something in return (but be honest, you’re secretly disappointed every time that’s a one-way gift giving, aren’t you?). If you love giving great, thoughtful gifts, I will give you the gift of letting you. I recognize the joy that giving brings people.
But, if you’re asking “what do you want for Christmas?” a week before Christmas, the answer is honestly, genuinely, NOTHING. Do not rack your brain, do not add to your credit card debt, do not spend hours looking for the perfect gift. The relief of not having to spend money, to think of a gift that somehow demonstrates my feelings for you … sheish, that’s priceless.
Enjoy the time with your family. Relax and unwind from work for a few days. Eat like your waistband isn’t watching. Make the holidays enjoyable for everyone by being kind, and remembering it’s OK to make new traditions!
