Our writing homework this week is to write a holiday-themed horror story. I’ve been struggling with this one for a week and was about to write a half-hearted piece about the abomination that is the Elf of the Shelf. In a weird little coincidence, teacher decided to write on the same subject this morning. Normally, I would be deterred, but in this case, I’ll try to turn adversity into opportunity. Or, it could just be that I didn’t care for the story I was working on in the first place.
So, as I prepare to write the completely-different story, I’d like to pass along this little tidbit: I really don’t care for the holidays. I don’t care for the food, I don’t care for the forced travel, I don’t care for the gifts (giving or getting), and I really, really, really don’t like the obligatory everything. My time off is precious to me and having all manner of social requirements heaped on me wears me out. I enjoy seeing a few people, and even my family, but I don’t get any joy out of an obligation being discharged. “Relief?” Yes. A lot of relief, but it isn’t worth the stress that I get prior to it.
So, yeah, “bah humbug” to me. I get it. I don’t begrudge anyone their holiday merriment. Just please be kind if my smile seems a bit forced and I excuse myself from the party early.