I've noticed that each year I dread Christmas a little more, but this year I really do. I haven't even heard more than fifteen minutes of "holiday tunes." I haven't been to the mall since it's been covered with holiday cheer. But already I don't want any of it. I shared the idea with Brandon that perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if Christmas was only every other year. Then perhaps I could take it. The only thing unfair about that would be that some kids born on a non-Christmas year wouldn't have a Christmas until they were a year old or whatever, but at least I wouldn't go insane. Surely I'm not the only one pondering a way out of this.

I mean, I have nothing against some parts of Christmas. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love the holiday foods, some of the decorations, the memories and the yearly showing of A Christmas Story. But here's what I hate: going broke spending money on gifts for everyone I know or else they'll be heart-broken. Why can't this gift-giving time come at a time of the year when people actually have an increased amount of money? Like tax return time! I know I don't suddenly have tons of cash to blow on people just so I can get that feeling that's supposed to come when I "give instead of receiving" (and fall further into debt).

Oh well. Maybe I'll get into the "Christmas spirit" after being brainwashed a bit more. I think the standard is 30 minutes of Christmas music and a series of GAP commercials.