It’s Okay To Be a Grinch This Christmas

I haven’t made it a big secret that I don’t really like Christmas. I participate in our Gift Guide every year, which has been fun, and there are things about the season I enjoy in theory. But as a whole it’s not for me, so the fact that we’re about to be inundated with it 24/7 is not an exciting prospect. I want to like it, but so far that desire hasn’t materialized into real feelings. The cheeriness feels forced to me. I like watching a few Christmas movies, but they kind of fall apart when you think about them. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer sends a horrible message. There are like seven good Christmas songs, and hearing infinite different versions of them for a month and a half only annoys me by the time Christmas actually gets here. All in all, I’m a bit of a Grinch. That may be who I am every year, but I think a lot of people could benefit from a Grinch-y Christmas every once in a while.

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It’s already become a cliché to say that 2016 has been a crappy year, but when you look back it really has sucked. If you’re the type of person who can find a way to turn it around by throwing yourself into the joy of the holiday season, don’t just go for it, but go for it hard. The world needs it. However, not all of us are doers. If taking a year off from the normal, obligatory holiday thing is what you need this year, there’s nothing wrong with that. And don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re doing something wrong either. Embrace your inner Grinch!

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In the spirit of Seuss-iness, I’ve written a short and terrible poem about opting out this year. I added Christmas colors for the cheer, of course.

The Christmas season can be something to fear, so it’s fine to decide to not do it this year
You’re supposed to feel things that you simply don’t feel, which is what happens a year that is less than ideal
It may be your instinct to just say “no way,” and I want you to know that that’s really okay
Let others put on all the sparkle and shine, if you need a year off it’s totally fine
There may be some people who think that you’re sad, but taking time for yourself is not at all bad
Your friends and family can enjoy all the snow, while you can be just as happy inside binge watching a show
If after this year all you want is a snuggle, be kind to yourself and avoid all the struggle

Take a deep breath, have some mulled wine, and try again next year. Or don’t, and remain Grinch-y with me!

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