I'm a Grinch

Not necessarily about Christmas, just in general. But, yeah, also Christmas. I have a weird love hate thing with the season. Some great things have happened in my life on Christmas Eve, and some of the most devastating moments of my life have also happened in the 3 day span of 12/24-12/26. So how "into the holiday" I am every year varies and can really be quite the toss up. And I know I'm not the only one.

People actually suffer a lot during holiday seasons, and I'm sure this year won't prove to be an exception.

This year has been a whirlwind for everyone in some way, shape, or form–and all with the chance of getting sick on the side. So why put extra pressure on three of the last days of 2020? There's enough taking up your time, attention, and energy. You don't need to add the expectations of a merry Christmas or a happy New Year or of the most wonderful time of the year. I think it's time to manage, and that's perfectly acceptable.

Managing doesn't mean "don't have fun." It doesn't mean there is no hope for the near (or far) future. It doesn't even really mean much of anything beside this: Grace.

Isn't grace and peace a huge part of the "reason for the season?" And isn't it already what we preach annually? So let's just put that into practice this year. Here are some of my ideas:

• Keep expectations (yours and those that others might try to put upon you) to a minimum, talk things out and start setting boundaries early.

• Cancel the plans if the day comes and you just can't bring yourself to go (and, yes, this may be the one year you have the easiest out).

• If you decorate, let it be a Charlie Brown Christmas tree (the lights will still cast a lovely glow), have the crooked gingerbread house (questionable structural integrity is all the more reason to eat it), and forget the poinsettias (they're poisonous anyway).

• Get creative with gifts, if you decide to do them, since money really isn't something we need added stress over right now (show off that new skill you picked up in quarantine).

• And lastly: Use what emotional energy you have to be present when you are present (we all need a little extra attention and love right now).

I'd argue that it's always okay to be a bit of a Grinch–you do you in order to get through whatever you're tackling during the holidays–but never quite as much as this year. So if you needed someone to give you permission, there you have it. If you were going to live that green oddball life anyway, you're my people! But whichever you are, I hope that you are able to give those around you and especially yourself some leeway this year.

I'll be back again before the 24th, but just because: Merry Christmas!