What I Want for Christmas

Peace.

No, I don't mean "Peace on Earth", although it would be nice and all, if unrealistic. I just mean peace in my life.

Christmas should be pleasant and happy. It never is for me. I just quit trying this year to make it so. Last year, I tried so hard and it was a complete catastrophic flaming, bloody train-wreck. This year I just grudgingly put up the tree, even though I feel like crap all the time these days, and I ordered some nice presents online. (Online shopping rocks, BTW. No crowds, no parking problems, no driving around in the horrendous traffic.) I truly enjoy giving presents.

Another thing -- family dinners are highly overrated. If I had a choice, I'd just opt out, but of course I can't.

There was more I was going to say on this but I decided to spike it. I think I'll just stop here and end with this: While presents are nice, and while I could use a really good therapeutic massage, the main thing I want for Christmas is peace for myself and for my family.

But that may be just as unrealistic as "Peace on Earth"...