Christmas Eve

Anybody that knows me knows that I'm not a huge fan of Christmas.  In fact, because the holiday is known more for wish lists and putting your game face on before visiting Santa at the mall than for the true meaning, it's usually been a huge letdown.  Almost all kids only know the holiday as the day they get lots of presents, exchange gifts with their Secret Santa classmate and have parties full of sugar, sugar and more sugar.  Their name better be on Santa's 'nice' list, or they'll get a lump of coal in their stocking.

I come from a family of five, raised in a very small town in northwest Pennsylvania.  My dad was the breadwinner for most of our lives and mom stayed at home to raise us.  Industry diminished by the month, as did decent paying jobs.  The economy sucks in that area, so does the social scene.  It's no secret why I left!  I didn't care to drive twenty miles on snow-covered mountain roads to work at McDonalds for $5/hour, nor did I want to be an alcoholic who settled for a life less than ordinary.

There were many years that my parents struggled to give us a Christmas.  As a kid, it's the equivalent to a kick in the pants.  We never went to church, so the spiritual meaning of the holiday was lost on us.  Our grandparents always got us something; usually something fun.

As an adult, I place no emphasis on a wish list to give to Santa.  Instead, I volunteer to work so others may spend the day with their children.  I adopt a family or buy gifts for kids who would otherwise have none.  To be honest, I'll be happy when it's 12:01 AM on December 26th.

And on that note, I have to start getting ready for work.  After three hours of sleep, I got up and washed my laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and made some pasta.  Tonight should be fabulous!!!