Before beginning, this is not a pity party or some reaching out for solace. It merely addresses that which some in my acquaintance consider to be an aberration. I don’t holiday.
In my opinion, holidays are for families. I don’t have a family. I have a wife who is closer to me than Adam’s rib and a great number of relatives scattered across the country and abroad. But no family.
My definition of family is that group of people, related by blood, who interact on a regular basis, share meals, share life events, good and bad, and are mutually supportive.
My experience, however, is one of having a great number of people whose names are familiar but whose lives are known only through face book postings, occasional seasonal cards and the “family” newsletters extolling the latest exploits of children never seen in the flesh.
I have grown not only accustomed to, but actually quite comfortable with the status quo. At this late date I doubt that I could ever adjust to the holidays as depicted by Norman Rockwell.
So when you ask what plans I have for any given holiday and I respond with, “survival,” please don’t look at me as if I just stepped off of a space ship. I may be the only one on the entire planet who feels this way, but somehow I doubt it.
So for all my holiday-ing friends, “Happy RamaHanaKwanzMas.” I’ll continue to celebrate the month of August.
rixlibris 
A refreshingly honest and unapologetic post. The Norman Rockwell “specter” hovers over far too many at this time of year leaving them feeling somehow hollow and abnormal. Good for you to carry on the way you and your wife see fit.
But your wife is your family???…..so celebrate it with her?!😳
So very true. And we do share those times. I am referring to the massive outreach of simulated caring many, but of course not all, express for others within their defined groups. People who have no real contact with each other during the rest of the year, have no mutually shared experiences or common events yet feel compelled by whatever season to express deep emotional feelings for one another, for however long that season lasts. The final year that I participated in the seasonal charade I had 51 individuals on my gifting list. That year, as with the year before, my choice of gifts actually became a running joke within the “family”. Not only an epiphany but a significant financial savings. I certainly do not begrudge others the joy derived from holidays, I speak only for myself. A very happy season to you and yours.
Awwww……I get you now dear😊😊😊
Because our parents aren’t local and we have only our boy, the holidays are a time where we make extra efforts to get together with a family that has children – so our boy isn’t alone. Small families and couples can be found feeling a different impact from the noisy holidays that approach full of societal expectation. However you go about it each season, I hope it is happy and peaceful for you and your wife.
Diana
The holidays are over. The ghosts did it all in one night. I recovered from my SAD condition in time to save face. Happy New Year to you and I’m looking forward to many posts from your direction.
All the best this year, buddy. So appreciate the support.
Diana
Well, sir, you and your lovely bride are welcome to celebrate August with us ANY day. 🙂 Or sit-in-the-floor-and-talk-to-the-twins day, or here-is-a-dozen-eggs-day, or “Hello?-Is-your-internet-out-too” day, or. . .:)
Roxanne, meet Diana. Diana, meet Roxanne. I think you’ll like each other. And thanks for the support from both of you. Happy next year. Oops, make that “happy rest of this year” since we are already into it.