...just like witches at black masses

funny thing, xmas.

if anything's close to a seminal get-together of the entirety of western culture, this is it. forget Spring Break and Halloween. forget New Year's. Thanksgiving is American-only. and Valentine's is a blatant commercial institution. (still spreading, though, just like Halloween. thirteen years ago I tried to arrange a Halloween party at my school. found the climate in school management for such activities was less than friendly. :)

when my Sis was grumpy (morning allergy, prolly) and Mother kinda lost grip of things due to stress this morning (however briefly), the joy of xmas season subsided. made me realize again just how much effort people are devoting to preparing the holidays. (holidays of relaxation, no less.)

and some of them never stop to actually sit back and take it easy. like my mother. the family dinner on Christmas Day. preparing dresses and gifts. food. guests. answering mail.

and her surroundings, i.e. Sis and I, are naturally recruited as assistance. not that I mind. not at all. but just like treating duties too laxily (as I have been prone to) is no good, neither is taking them too seriously.

hey, we only live once, that's given. but a balance between living for ourselves and living for others is required, the way I see it.
favors made should be returned. and demonstrations of love deserve not to go unheeded.

beyond that, there really is little need for any greater investments.

especially not as it is a small task to spread a little happiness now and then. it's easily done. for everyone. all it takes is some presence of mind.

happy yuletide. =)