Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Real Simple


I've just finished this month's Real Simple Magazine. I subscribe to three magazines, Vanity Fair, Real Simple and Entertainment Weekly. Unfortunately due to the financial cutbacks I need to make I am only keeping the Vanity Fair subscription. This is beacause it is only $12.95 and it seems to be the last journalistic endeavor not controlled by the GOP.
I rarely ever read the editors note at the front of the issue but for some reason this issue I did. It's goes on about the little patience the editor has for folks who stress about having the "perfect holidays." I have to say I agree. There is no reason to quelch all of our enjoyment during the season of joy by freaking out about something that will not be important 6 months from now.
And the editor goes on to say "...I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a bit overwhelmed, too. A few years ago a friend who has spent most of his life in therapy told me that if your depressed, it means your are facing a decision....and the holidays are nothing if not one giant decision making minefield."
I was struck by the idea of depression meaning you are facing a decision-and subsequently stalling out in depression-land because you don't want to deal with said decision. I decided long ago no more traveling on airplanes during the weeks of Christmas and New Years. I decided long ago to take holidays as they come. To not overplan as you are inevitably dissapointed in the fact that your plans have gone astray. I decided long ago to plan for christmas gifts early to avoid holiday shopping. Subsequently the last three years have been better than ever and I find myself looking forward to the holidays as opposed to dreading them.

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