Happy holidays! Obligations taint the air like a stank sock. I yuck it, but for some reason, perhaps to live up to other's expectations and appease my own pesky guilt/ego, I participate. I send out cards, I make presents (or buy stuff for people who might not tolerate a handmade hot air balloon) and open presents I don't need or want. If I sound selfish and cantankerous, it's because I believe the holidays are a feeble excuse for me to boost my own inflated ego by nonsensically buying/making stuff and giving it away. Every year, taking the shape of a gift, my ego whispers, remember me, I'm still here. When you are forced to be generous, forced to play a part in the most corporate and brainwashed holiday of the year, the art of generosity becomes virtually nonexistent. Giving is an art and takes careful focus and consideration. How can I possibly give something meaningful and genuine to all my friends and family - at the same time? I can't. It's impossible and even if it were possible, I'd be too blinded by my Christmas rage to see it. BAH HUMBUG! Next year, I'm spending XMAS in China.