Whether December 25th is a holy day, a holiday, or just another day on your calendar, we all get a fresh twenty-four hours. And that’s something to celebrate in its own right. But I’d like to share with ya’ll a little bit about what makes this day special for me.
Hard Work
I’ve been working like a fucking steam engine as far back as I can remember. There was that time I cut classes in middle school to finish a Latin project that was due at the end of the day. Yeah, I literally cut school so I could do schoolwork. I rode my bike there when I was done, snuck in unnoticed, went to the nurse’s office to test my blood sugar, then got a legit pass to class just in the nick of time.
One time in high school I was suspended, which means I wasn’t allowed on school grounds for the day, but I snuck into my World Civilizations class because I knew Mr. Hable was the only teacher who wouldn’t snitch on me for trying to learn shit.
Oh, and there was that other time I got a degree in electrical engineering and went on to complete seven more years of higher education while working full time.
At ten years old I got my first job and have been grinding ever since, often working multiple jobs.
I do a lot of things for a lot of people and still struggle with saying no sometimes. I put my heart and soul into everything I do. If you don’t see blood, sweat, and tears in any one of my articles, it’s because I donated them to someone else that week.
But don’t worry, I’m not gonna launch into some psychoanalytical talk on trauma responses or fear of not being good enough right now. This ain’t that article.
Permission To Relax
Even on my birthday, I’m acutely aware that May 24th doesn’t mean shit to approximately 364 out of 365 people. So, while it is technically a “special day” or whatever, the world don’t stop spinnin, and I got things to do.
However, on days like today, banks and businesses close their doors, everything slows down, and people all over the world chill the fuck out. And it’s not just an excuse to sleep in and be unproductive. It’s an expectation. I also think it’s a necessity.
Especially for people like me.
Permission To Treat Myself
Another interesting observation is that I often end up buying myself a whole bunch of stuff while Christmas shopping for others. It’s the funniest thing, and I’ve been this way forever. I think it’s because I’m not naturally inclined to just go out and buy nice things for myself. I’ve certainly gotten a lot better at that as my self-love and self-care have improved significantly over the years.
But it really used to take me spending money on other people to notice there are things in this world I would enjoy and I have the buying power to acquire them. Even til this day, whenever I buy myself an ice cream cone, a fresh pair of shoes, or a new pillow, it’s like a fucking magic trick. I can almost hardly believe it — that I have the power to love, appreciate, nurture, and do thoughtful, caring things for myself.
I love that.
What I’ll Be Doing This Christmas
Hands down, my favorite thing about Christmas is doing whatever the hell I want all day long. Sleeping in, wearing pajamas, watching cartoons, taking naps, opening presents, sipping hot cocoa with an absolutely absurd amount of whipped cream on top. I’ll eat whenever I damn well please. Might go for a walk with my wife and feel the sunshine on my face. Maybe I’ll talk to some friends and family. Or decline every single call that comes through.
I like to let myself off of every hook. I don’t have to be productive, social, active, worried, punctual, cordial, or whatever. Don’t have to anything. I can just rest my mind, body, and soul in every possible way. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do, with zero judgment or obligation.
What You Might Be Doing
I realize that most holidays mean a whole host of different things to different people. And I think that’s kinda neat. Maybe holidays, in general, are a collective, cultural agreement to hold space for something to happen. Relaxation, travel, worship, gratitude, consumerism, charity, reunion, sloth and gluttony. I don’t know. Something.
The point is, you get to decide what that something is.
Choose wisely.