Holiday Spirit Hits All-Time Low
Thankfully, that's different different from being upset about it.
Thanksgiving was okay, but it wasn't *Thanksgiving*. With my folks still playing campground hosts in Big Bend National Park (in southwestern Texas), I didn't get to spend the holiday with family. I knew this well in advance. I was invited to join another get-together, but passed. I might have enjoyed myself to a degree, but it still wouldn't feel *right*. Instead, I did a small bit of cleaning, relaxed, and treated myself to pecan pie.
I also got a call from my dad saying they were going to stay an extra month, thereby being away for Christmas too. He's offered the loan of their car here if I want to drive down for Christmas, but... a drive that's close to 800 miles in late December during a holiday period sounds somewhere between "less-than-fun" and "dangerous." I'd also have to take some days off (not that I have a shortage of paid leave time) and figure out how to do a solo roadtrip of that magnitude. Odds are good I'll see the holiday come and go with no celebration. Of course, on top of this I'm clueless as far as gifts this year. Usually, I have at least some ideas by this time.
And yet... as much as all that doesn't feel right, I don't feel *bad* about it at present.
Thanksgiving was okay, but it wasn't *Thanksgiving*. With my folks still playing campground hosts in Big Bend National Park (in southwestern Texas), I didn't get to spend the holiday with family. I knew this well in advance. I was invited to join another get-together, but passed. I might have enjoyed myself to a degree, but it still wouldn't feel *right*. Instead, I did a small bit of cleaning, relaxed, and treated myself to pecan pie.
I also got a call from my dad saying they were going to stay an extra month, thereby being away for Christmas too. He's offered the loan of their car here if I want to drive down for Christmas, but... a drive that's close to 800 miles in late December during a holiday period sounds somewhere between "less-than-fun" and "dangerous." I'd also have to take some days off (not that I have a shortage of paid leave time) and figure out how to do a solo roadtrip of that magnitude. Odds are good I'll see the holiday come and go with no celebration. Of course, on top of this I'm clueless as far as gifts this year. Usually, I have at least some ideas by this time.
And yet... as much as all that doesn't feel right, I don't feel *bad* about it at present.
*bigtightglompyholidayhugs* Does it sound odd to say I thought of you at times during my Turkey Day feat and aftermath?
ReplyDeleteAs much as you say you're not upset about it, it's still hard to hear about. I think because I've moved around enough that I've a) reached the understanding that you make your own family to a certain extent, and b) had the realization that I will not be a child in my parents' home forever. And there have been and will be holidays that don't involve that type of gathering. I don't imagine you'll take me up on it, but please know that you have an invitation to spend Christmas here, as well. If I thought you'd take me up on it, I'd see if I could put a plane ticket under your tree. It'd certainly stop me from grumbling that you're hard to shop for. *wrygrin* At some point, chico, you and became part of my family. And I miss you like hell at this time of year.
ReplyDeletearound 2002, I spent a christmas eve alone. Changed how I looked at the whole thing. Prior to that, the thought of spending a night like that alone was inconcievable, which was compunded by driving around this busy metropolis that is Aurora and finding nothing was open, nothing at all... made it very lonely. Afterwards, it didn't seem so bad, so inconcievable. Nothing I care to repeat, but not the end of the world. My point i guess, and feel free to refuse - no harm, no foul - is that if you're in the mood for a road trip (or, I could have Jen arrange a buddy-pass to save some $$$) there's a gathering up here evry dec. 25th... food, friends, fun. And, though given last year I hesitate to mention it, Yule is next weekend at my folks place. Either way, I should be in town next friday, I'd love to hang out, if yo're around. take care.
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