I am glad I am not the only one who just waits for the frenzy to be over. For awhile, I got swept up into it, mostly because of work colleagues. I have not done much at the synagogue in the past 5-8 years, as I told my rabbi that my bike is my new religion... that said, I do still celebrate holidays and would never deny who I am. There are certain rituals that I like, too. But, for me, a lot of my participation was social, it just happened to be at services.
This year, I feel no stress at all. The clinic I work at has at least 50% Jewish therapists and the director is Jewish. The admin people are all in a frenzy, but I can ignore their chatter. There's a few minor decorations on the receptionist's desk, as well as a menorah. Unlike my last job, none of my clients have tried to give me gifts, as they are a bit more aware of this stuff. All I know is that I made my last trip to the grocery store yesterday, until next Friday, and G-d forbid I have to go to any type of store in the next week. This kind of inconvenience does sort of irk me, but I am looking forward to a little Chanukah celebration with my son and DIL Sunday, as well as Chinese food on the 24th, and dinner with our friends on Christmas.
2015 Trek Silque SSL
Specialized Oura
2011 Guru Praemio
Specialized Oura
2017 Specialized Ariel Sport