Fa la la la la....

So the holidays are fast approaching.  I’m really not into Christmas.  2013, I was sicker than a dog, and spent it at home, in bed. 2012, I had broken up with my boyfriend and it was rocky. 2011, I was homeless and living with a friend.  Although I did have fun, it was still a little different. 2010, I had lost Mom (MIL), my marriage was over and I had the worst trip to Cabo with my estranged husband.

Don’t get me wrong.  For an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, I love the pomp and pageantry of Christmas. Yes, I know Christ wasn’t born in December, and I know the Christmas tree is a heathen symbol the Catholics incorporated to rope the non-believers into Christianity.  But I love the Christmas spirit of giving, of helping others. I love seeing the smile on faces surprised by random acts of kindness. 

I love my favorite Christmas movies, and no matter how much I haven’t been “into” the holiday, I always drag them out for a viewing…Holiday Inn (my absolute favorite), White Christmas, Pocket Full of Miracles, Miracle on 34^th Street, The Santa Clause, The Ref (ok, it’s a little off color, but the role is tailor made for Denis Leary, and the line from Kevin Spacey… “You know what Mom? You know what I’m going to get you next Christmas? A big wooden cross…so every time you feel unappreciated for all of your sacrifices, you can climb on up and nail yourself to it!”), Die Hard (Hey…they’re celebrating Christmas in the Nakatomi Plaza) and the usual mushy stuff you find on the Lifetime or Hallmark Channel. 

This year, I’m pretty much giving out gift certificates so I don’t have to deal with the holiday rush, people, traffic, etc.  I decided to run away for the holidays.  I’m headed to Seaside Oregon.  Although it isn’t exactly what I had planned, I decided to not wallow in what I had originally planned, and go for something different.  I’m spending it with members of the 2013 Cabo Crew.  We agreed that we were not exchanging gifts, we are just going to enjoy each other’s company.  I’m only asking the group for one thing…On Christmas Eve, I want a fire on the beach.  I’m hoping it’ll get me back on track toward Christmas.  Something about the sea air, a cold beer, a fire on the beach, good friends…maybe even spotting Santa’s sleigh in the sky…it just seems to fit.