Monday, December 26, 2011

things i know (this week, anyway) #7 (holiday edition)

- Things feel extra-meaningful and charged around the holidays, for better or for worse.

- It doesn't cost anything to be nice.

- It is an extremely satisfying feeling to watch someone close to you open up a gift you know he or she is going to love.

- If you want to get to know your parents better, play a drinking game with them.

- Everyone deserves to indulge in a little contained gluttony a few times a year.

- Extravagant New Years Plans are almost always ultimately disappointing--keep it simple, local and inexpensive.

- Being the only single person at family gatherings is sometimes difficult. Not heartbreaking or soul-crushing--just occasionally and briefly a tiny bit painful. Because there is always going to be that moment when you're all walking somewhere together and everyone reaches for his or her partner's hand, and you have to just fold your arms and keep walking.

- Holiday giving should extend to charities that are meaningful to you (and if you have children, you should involve them in the process). I recommend Heifer International.

- Just as everyone is entitled to a little gustatory overindulgence around this time of year, they should also be allotted a little extra patience and compassion.

- Try a splash of eggnog in your coffee. Just a splash.

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