Another Year, Another Xmas

My brain has been entirely elsewhere the past week or two; planning my trip to Korea and making as clean a break as possible from my current job. Sitting here on a Sunday, I've found it hard to really think of something to write for this entry. I have some half-baked ideas, not ready to go..... so, the next logical path? What's going on at the minute? Christmas! My word, I'd almost forgotten.

This is my second Christmas in an Asian country and I doubt it'll be my last. It's a strange sensation not being bombarded by Christmas music, trees and various signs of festivity around every corner. That's not to say you don't see it. Quite the opposite- many shops and schools have Christmas decorations plastered liberally, well, everywhere. But it just doesn't seem as omnipresent as it does back home. Just another way to promote your products or chisel some more money out of the parents as they pay for a pageant to a holiday they don't even celebrate. A system which has worked so well for us over the years, of course.

I'd say a lot of people who may read this don't particularly enjoy this time of year and I can understand why: It's cold, the streets and shops are rammed full of people and you'll often have way too many gifts to buy. I've been there, I get it. It sucks. I can't tell you how good it is to be away from all that.

But wait! I actually really enjoy Christmas. Part of me misses the madness, even. Why? Because it's the perfect excuse to spend time with people you care about doing things that you enjoy. What's not to like about that? For most of us, it's our idea of what a traditional Christmas should be that prevents us from having a good time. I've been lucky to have had a few years away from home at Christmas and although it was difficult at first it's really allowed me to see why and how it can be the very best time of year.

So get out there- go out for some drinks, some dinner or just go out with the people you want to be with. Yes, that is an order. If that doesn't work, just watch 'It's a Wonderful Life'. You'll be all Christmassed (that'd a word, right?) up in no time. In fact, that's what I'm off to do right now.

And if you're already psyched for Christmas? Ummm... ignore all that. More LOL's next week, I promise. Now go watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' too. It's tops.