Quote Originally Posted by ny biker View Post
You know, I know that things get stressful, but I think many of you don't realize how lucky you are. If I resolved to wake up in my own bed on Christmas morning, it would mean I was spending the holiday alone, far away from everyone in my family.

Being invited to lots of parties means lots of people like you. So you have to dress up and act happy, boo hoo.

Even dealing with crowds at the stores is a good thing -- it means the economy is improving. For the past two Saturdays I've gone to a shopping mall that used to be a madhouse in the month of December. They even hire people to direct traffic in the parking area. But both days I've been there, there was no traffic, it was easy to find parking, and the stores were not that crowded. Frankly, it worries me.

Just be thankful that you have reasons to be busy and people to be busy for.

Peace on earth, good will towards men, etc.
I do appreciate what you're saying, but I'm not sure my own angst over the holidays has anything to do with not being appropriately grateful. The fact is that many people put ridiculous amounts of pressure on themselves and others during the holidays, and in so doing, sometimes miss the true spirit of the season. Obviously, some of the hassle of the holidays is worth it. I go out of my way to spend time with those I love; I venture to guess that most of us do. But some of the rest of it is just noise that I could do without.

I think the point of this thread was to discuss how to find balance during the season; to enjoy friends and family without feeling totally strung out in the process of shopping, baking, traveling, partying, decorating, etc., etc., I think that's a worthy discussion and one that doesn't make us into ingrates.