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I don’t readily admits this about myself, because the subject only comes up at Christmas time, and I don’t want to be a bumper to someone’s joy, but I haven’t done Christmas in over 15 years. Christmas for me may as well be another day in January. Lol.

The result of me letting go of Christmas? I’m happy without its celebration, and I feel free from the imprisonment of false joy. There I said it here, Lol!

I wish for you and John an amazing New Year! ✨♥️✨

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Whatever works! I’ve never been a big fan of ‘ritual,’ either, although lately I’ve been coming around to the idea of scheduled joy (because despite all the pressures that come along with it, there is something nice about the Christmas lights and keepsakes and memories, etc.)

That said, I spend every holiday running around on basically no sleep, stressed out about whether I’m going to disappoint anyone, so you might be onto something.

Thanks, Charlotte. Have an amazing new year!

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I love that, scheduled joy! I would love to schedule one in Hawaii! Lol! I think everyone’s happiness and joy during this time of year raises the good vibe around earth. I connect and feel that part of Christmas joy.

Have an amazing New Year! 💖💖💖

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After my kids are grown, I could see myself being the same way 😂. We do a very low key Christmas here. Happy new year, Charlotte!

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I have three kids and I still don’t love Christmas, it’s just too, too much… but I do enjoy seeing the kids happy and filled with excitement. Thanks for sharing your moment of honesty, it’s nice to know there are others out there 😊

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So True Melissa!

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Hi, again, Melissa (nice to see that you and John share a last name now.)

What holiday in USA doesn’t suck dirty dishwater? They are all placed on a crass materialism axle and we basically have one every month and only the service workers seem to work on every Monday.

I’ve apparently been trying to read in every substack on Substack for the past six or eight months and I’ve been rather involved in politics during the time (just another 1.54% of USA & and we’d not be facing Vice- President Schitzhizpantz and President Elmo into office.) Must work harder if there’s ever another election and I’m still alive.

Love reading you. You’re still the top. Now I’m just hoping that I can still have my SSA & Medicare for the rest of my life. But, I have my doubts that there will be anyone of compassion and care in the coming Republican takeover.

Be well and many thanks.

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You're (unfortunately) spot-on about how consumerism has made its way into everything. It's a shame—without it, some traditions are really nice.

Thanks so much for the kind words. Be well, and Happy New Year!

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CHRISTMAS, n. : the grandest of all contrived, pointless, pseudo-religious celebrations, when God is ceremoniously lugged through the muck and stench of avarice, ignorance and materialism; (But it’s such a happy time!)

“Until I witnessed its conclusion, I’d thought I would detest everything about this Christmas season.”

-- Santa Claus

“For God’s sake get Christ outta Christmas! “

-- Gagus 9:14

***

Hiya. I enjoy your writing, and John's, too, but alas, I am a grammar nazi. Do forgive me.

"one which required a ride in a cramped employees-only elevator that me, the girl,"

Me?

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