A long time ago, I told my parents and sister that I was no longer taking part of the madness of the holidays. They accepted it reluctantly but accepted it. I also told them that I would rather celebrate our family after the holiday madness had died down. So, we always got together in February, the month between my sister's birth month and mine. It worked out well. Our time together was not rushed, nor did it feel forced, and we all really enjoyed just being in each other's company. No worries about presents or the such.

Then, I met Mike and joined another family. One who celebrates the holidays... routinely and traditionally. I played along. Until this Christmas. The other day, my manager asked me to work later on X'mas eve because she wanted to leave early. She also asked me to come in the day after X'mas as an extra pair of "supervisory" hands. I agreed and realized that I would not be going to my "in-laws" for X'mas. I told Mike. He asked if I could come for just the day. I said no. I just don't want to. He was not happy. Today, he told me he understood. I won't be spending Christmas with him. I don't mind. The day doesn't really mean anything to me. If you work retail, I am sure you can relate.

So, my sister and I will be having lunch together on Christmas day. I will cook everything. I'll invite anyone who wants to come. It's just lunch. No biggie. We won't be exchanging gifts. We won't be rushing anywhere to be with loved ones. We won't be forcing ourselves on each other. We'll just be spending a day off together. Eating whatever we want. Probably drinking something mulled. Probably calling our Mom & Dad to wish them well. Just like old times. Just as I like it. Later.  ¶ 10:13 PM