I grew up feeling a little 'conflicted' about Christmas (along with most 'special days', actually).
Me Darlin' Mither had lovely memories of her childhood Christmases - mostly related to the Christmas Eve service in the Lutheran church she attended - and always enjoyed the whole season.
Daddy was orphaned early in his life and had no such deposits in his memory bank; he seemed to truly despise setting one day above another.
How's a little kid supposed to process such things?
It's taken a long time, but I'm beginning to enjoy the holiday season.
I've found effective ways to manage my split personality.
Last Friday, when I dressed for our office Christmas luncheon, I broke out my favorite December leg wear.
These tights make me feel happy, and they seem to make other people happy, too (I hear a lot of whispering and giggles as I pass other people on the street or in the stores...I'm sure it's sheer delight; I'm sure they couldn't be laughing at me).
But when people begin to accuse me of being a little carried away with Christmas cheer and all that, I just tell them I have other feelings about the season, too.
And when I show them...
...they laugh really loudly.
Ho, ho, ho.
Arrrghh.