reason #856473 in favor of druidism

i heard someone say the other day that she was «surrendering to christmas». this phrase so keenly hilites the trouble with the holiday season -- it's something people feel they need to resist. resist what? the joy, the love, the warmth, the laughter, the good food and the quality times with family & friends? no, it's not these things that bear resistance.

it's the overages that we put up walls against. the joy turned to mania, the love turned to lust, the warmth turned up, burning us like fiery lava and consuming all life-giving oxygen until we smother in the presence of others. too much food, too much drink. too many parties and gatherings and events to schedule. too many dysfunctions and obligations and duties. too much we have to do, not enough we get to do. i don't have an original solution. you've heard 'em all -- don't go to every party, don't eat all the food, don't buy a gift for everyone you've ever met, don't drink too much at the company holiday fest and land yourself in a compromising situation in the supply closet with that smarmy guy from accounting who's been trying to get a date with you for the past year. just say «no» to the hype, the excess, the vanity, the sheer unadulterated consumerism.

but, don't forget that overindulgence is not the heart of christmas. the heart of christmas is love. and love, my dears, is something we could all benefit from a bit more surrendering to.