I know what you’re thinking…what am I? The Grinch? A Scrooge? Haven’t I seen those movies’ endings so I know that I simply need to warm my heart and then I’ll see the beauty in twinkle lights and gift giving? Well I have seen them, but my heart remains apparently frozen because I HATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
I’m not anti-social, anti-religion, or anti-anything, really. I’m typically a very outgoing person, but Christmas rubs me the wrong way. Here’s what it feels like when you don’t like the holiday season and post-Halloween time hits:
WHEN YOU HEAR THOSE JINGLE BELLS
You CANNOT avoid Christmas music during the holidays. It follows you literally everywhere for a month. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas in your home, you know those Christmas songs backwards and forwards.
PLANNING THE FAMILY GATHERINGS
GIVING PRESENTS
The expectation to get gifts for everyone forces you to guess what people you don’t even like or know that well want. This can be awkward, and you always end up receiving or giving stuff that no one actually needs (candles, lotions, etc.).
It also sucks if you can’t afford presents as a young college student – especially when the season implies that what you get people is a direct show of how much they mean to you.
TALKING TO PEOPLE THAT LOVE CHRISTAMS
Since the majority of Americans love Christmas, most everyone expects that you do, too. Playing along is exhausting, but hey, at least they’re happy!
I know that Christmas is 46% of American’s favorite holiday, but I would much rather go to a beach for a week and avoid all the pine needles in my vacuum, thank you.