'Tis the season (punctuation pending)!
Christmastime is, in perpetuity, my second favourite time of the year. There's something wonderful about the generally (freely given or forced) sincere nature of your fellow man. Political correctness aside, most major culture/religious group celebrates
something this time of year, and people are generally in a good mood.
And yes, I will use the term "Christmas" because that is what I celebrate. If you celebrate something else, I hope it's equally as enjoyable.
There's a feeling of hearth, if that is something that one could perceptually measure; maybe it's the spirituality, or the consumerism, or the desire to end the year on some sort of high-note, but the feeling is palpable, and welcome in an increasingly cynical world.
Pontification aside, the material aspect of Christmas is really the one that interests people the most. When I was a child, it was the start of the all-important Spoilification that would inevitably occur come Christmas day. I would put days of effort into constructing an easy-to-read, simple-to-purchase, direct-info Christmas list, in order to better aid those who wished to win my loyalty through life.
As years have gone by I enjoy watching people open gifts, but only if they're
from me -- I like to explain the reasoning or use for the gift, and gauge their reaction accordingly; I don't put an immense amount of
time into my Christmas shopping; I make quick, snap decisions as to the appropriateness of each gift, as the majority of my gifts are budget-dictated.
If I have $30-50 to spend on someone, I ask myself if the eye-catching item would make a good gift for that person
specifically, and base my purchase on that. It can make for a very interesting shopping excursion (as my
stalker will attest, having to put up with my bizarre consumerism habits for 4 hours), but I usually get 90% of my shopping done in one afternoon.
My parents, and my brother, are another story: I set no limit on their gifts, and buy them something that they would like. I might buy my mother some Versace sunglasses, or a mini-fridge for my brother, but the price-point is not a priority for me. However, it's usually the more functional or simple gifts that work best for my dad, as he's very easy to please; he was more excited to get a $20 DVD copy of
Cinderella Man than he was for his $100 Aldo Leather Slippers.
On some level, I'm glad that I'm not with Heather right now, as I am positive that I would have spoiled her completely rotten. In fact, I've never had a serious relationship over the Holidays, so I can only imagine how much money I have saved because of that. I could very well be living in a box right now had that not been the case.
To me, this is the most entertaining part of Christmas; finding people things they will like, or things that will complement them in some way, and giving them with no desire for recompense. Sure, it's great to receive gifts, but I will treasure a thoughtful thank you over a hastily purchased, non-descript, household thingamajigger.
My mother puts a lot thought into my presents (my dad doesn't shop, but he did pick out some shirts for me) because she loves Christmas. Mom always has a way of knowing what I need (ie. new boots, gloves, jacket), without me even realizing that I need it.
All that being said, I'm sure -- nay
positive -- that you are wondering, "If Christmas is your 2nd Favourite Time of the Year, what's the first?"
My birthday, naturally.
Peace, love, joy and fruitcake to all! Death to all those who oppose!
