This is the first Christmastime since I can remember that I haven’t felt depressed. 

The secret of my equanimity?  One big factor is that I cancelled my cable TV.  Not being bombarded by non-stop advertisements and Christmas specials has made an immense difference in my ability to retain equilibrium.

I also have not:

• shopped in any malls;
• struggled to wrap gifts in fancy paper;
• decorated my home;
• felt obliged to embark on ill-fated adventures in baking;
• or otherwise disrupted my comfortable, sanity-friendly routines.

The things that I have done or have planned to mark the season are all focused on human relationships, not material stuff:

• enjoying togetherness at holiday parties;
• making donations to charity in lieu of buying gifts;
• trying karaoke for the first time with friends in a growing friendship;
• celebrating as relatives who were feuding for years kiss and make up; and
• hugging.  Lots of hugging.

I’m not worried about living up to anyone else’s standards.  I don’t have a giant to-do list before me, or an over-packed schedule.  There is room for me to breathe this holiday season, and for once I’m truly enjoying it.