Oh, this bloody "season". I hate malls at the best of times, but during the lead-up to Christmas, they become a nest of ravening beasts. I know this topic has been done to death, but ... well, too bad. I spent a nasty half-hour or so in the midst of these wild animals while trying to obtain a specific (non-Christmas) gift. It should have been just a quick in and out, but those slathering beasts (shoppers) and mindless zombies (store clerks) were in full effect. It was horrible; I was almost gored (and/or bored) countless times! And now I feel I must inflict my suffering upon others.

I don't celebrate Christmas or my birthday anymore - haven't for years. I like things this way. I don't want presents from my friends and family, rather would just like to enjoy them. I can get my own presents, thank-you very much, and I'm really the best judge of what I want. Take the camera for instance - and I didn't have to wait until Dec 25!

I'm not completely against the giving of presents, just the overblown hoopla around certain specific dates. I don't like the idea of certain times when people "have" to buy me things. It is just that date-centric-ness that causes the utter pandemonium around this time of year.

Rushing to find a present doesn't really put you in the best space to find exactly the right thing for those you care about. Having to deal with others of the braying pack who are also clamouring and gouging for the last item on the shelf helps nary a whit. The pressure to find something great, and the expectation (let's be realistic here) of what goodies you might receive do little to promote the intentions of this tradition, started so many years ago.

Many people call for a summer-time yule in an attempt to combat the baser problems of Christmas. I see this as more of a shifting of the time when the hysteria occurs, rather than a way to alleviate the root causes.

I prefer the philosophy of keeping my eyes (and brain) open year-round. Instead of everyone focussing on just a few specific days per year to aim for good-will and prezzies, why not spread things out a bit? While out in January, grazing for items in the countless "inventory blow-out" sales, why not pick up something for someone else (if it catches your eye)? I mean, you're getting a good deal! Or maybe in March, just invite someone special over and make them a fabulous meal. Or drop by a friend's place unexpectedly and offer a massage.

This idea keeps your loved ones continually surprised when gifts and signs of affection arrive. And I think it really shows far more caring when you give someone a card on a non-"significant" day, just because you wanted to show your appreciation, and not because it's a socially and traditionally driven date for doing so.

On that note, thanks for reading and have a very merry December 5th! I know I will; I'm cooking dinner for a few friends ... just 'cos.