Merry Ho Ho

Christmas Eve, and it's the grinch here, as always.

Aside from being totally unable to forget/ignore the date and still live in the western world, my body and mind are sensing the end of a season that has for decades been unpleasant, to say the least. Thankfully, I'm long past the years when I'd go into a real funk every year, often not realizing what the problem was until the sunlight of my mind reappeared magically when the season was over. Or perhaps worse, realizing what the problem was but unable to do anything to stop it.

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz, oh what a relief it is! I used to work with the people who created that Alka Seltzer ad. Apropos of nothing.

Nowadays, though, the 'funk' has become much more insidious and sneaky so I don't necessarily realize it's even happening, though I realize something is off. Or, as in this year, I've noticed an increase in anxiety and sleeplessness, a general uneasiness and certainly a need to eat too much of the wrong foods. Comfort foods. But I didn't realize the extent of any of this until the last day or so when I noticed it starting to lighten up. Because it's almost over again for another year. I'm beginning to be more inclined to want healthier foods, and less interested in the red wine of an evening. I feel some inner excitement blossoming because the end is near, only another day or two left (and a few days after that before the media lets go of the fuss and advertising completely).

And here I thought I was such an expert at spotting this! Sometimes, it still beats me because now it's become quiet and sneaky in its ways.

For the first time since I've lived in this building (a little over 3 years now), I've appreciated the community this season. Much more connected to some people (possibly because I've reached out more). It's been a comfort I didn't expect, but appreciate very much now.

Wherever you are, whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate this time of the year, may you be happy.