Holiday Time (A Little Late)

It just occurred to me to do a holiday post. You'll have to forgive me; this is entirely off the top of my head.

As an American raised going to church (at least for awhile), Christmas has been my holiday for the winter season for my whole life. However, since my family is basically atheist, we don't focus on things relating to the birth of Jesus (which, as it is becoming increasingly known, was probably in spring sometime), but rather the spirit of giving in itself. We truly enjoy exchanging gifts for its own sake, and immersing ourselves in the spirit of the holiday.

I hear many people bring up the argument that Christmas is phony, as it worships materialism, or that it is a consumerist holiday, intended only to help boost the economy for the businesses' benefit. Although I am a staunch cynic, I think that these people are simply wrong. I do not buy gifts for my family and friends out of obligation, or because I have priced my relationship at the cost of the gift. I do not buy gifts for them because I think it will make them like me, or because I want to look like a good person. I buy gifts for people because I understand that getting something meaningful and personal for someone shows that you know and care about them, and I love watching people's excitement at receiving a great, thoughtful gift.

It really bothers me when people get cynical and judgmental about Christmas. To me, it is the time when I let myself simply bask in the blissful nature of the season.

Now for the other half: New Year's.

I just got back from a New Year's Party. It was fun enough; my cousin's band was awesome. The problem is that New Year's doesn't really hold a candle to Christmas. It's an afterthought, a complimentary breath mint after the main course of Christmas. The "holiday" is just an excuse for people to get drunk, and for couples to kiss, both of which occur every damn day, so what's the point? Resolutions? Fuck off, how many people actually keep them? Even if you do, congratulations and all, but where Christmas gives you presents and the satisfaction of giving presents, New Year's gives you an obligation. A year-long obligation. It's a boring holiday that doesn't matter. Oh boy! Our planet has gone around the sun once again! Gravity still hasn't failed us, so let's get crunk.

Seriously, does anyone even care about New Year's? Think about these lyrics:

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year

Look at that. New Year's is a postscript to the glory of Christmas. It's like, CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS... Oh yeah, and New Year, too...

 Fuck off, New Year. Thank god there's only one more left.