Where Are You, Christmas?

I'm probably working on Thanksgiving. I hate turkey anyways. I don't have a Christmas tree. I do love Christmas music, but Taylor Swift's new album just came out and I can't stop listening to her! Ugg boots? Yeah right. Here in Phoenix I'm still wearing shorts and a tank top. I don't talk to my parents at all. Oh, and did I mention I'm not in love?

I used to love the holidays. That was before this year. I used to have my very own Christmas tree in my bedroom. That was before my father decided it was a fire hazard. I used to cook all the delicious food I wanted. That was before my father's morbidly obese girlfriend moved in and has been attempting to cook ever since. I used to spend the holidays with all my relatives. That was before my father stopped supporting me financially, and I was left to get a job at the local grocery store. I used to be obsessed with Christmas music. That was before I got so excited for Christmas that I was listening to it in July. Now I'm just sick of it. I used to go to my sister's house for Christmas every single year. That was before she decided to spend Christmas in Mexico. I used to wear Ugg boots in December. That was before global warming. I used to be in love. That was before...well, honestly, I couldn't tell you what happened.

But here's what I can tell you: there's more to Christmas than having everything be perfect. I've learned that your life can come crashing down on you at the fall of a snowflake or at the jingle of a bell. I've learned that you can't choose your relatives. But you do get to choose who you call family. I've learned not to listen to Christmas music before Halloween. I've learned that in Phoenix it's summertime for nine months of the year. But most importantly, I've learned that when traditions melt away along with Frosty the snowman, it's time to start new ones.

Just because I don't have a Christmas tree doesn't mean I can't put one as the desktop background on my computer. Just because I can't cook anymore doesn't mean I can't go buy a pie and stuff my face. Just because it's too hot for Ugg boots right now doesn't mean I can't wear them another time. Just because I'm sick of Christmas music doesn't mean I can't listen to love stories on the Delilah show. Just because I'm not in love anymore doesn't mean I won't be this time next year. Just because I'm not spending the holidays with my relatives doesn't mean I can't spend it with my family.