This is the first time I haven't endured some prolonged, painful trek up north to see family during the holidays. No, instead, I'm here in my studio apartment, preparing brunch for a friend who's arriving in an hour. I suppose this is my first un-Christmas. It's usually a very melancholy time of year for me, but not this year. No, this year I am blissfully alone, enjoying my records, my apartment, and the complete absence of expectation. (Afterall, isn't that the scourge of this holiday? Expecting some Norman Rockwell painting to be recreated in your parents' living room?)

"Funny How Time Slips Away" - Al Green, Call Me, 1973

Then it dawns on me: maybe Christmas always depresses the hell outta me because I'm not really Christian. Was never baptized. Didn't attend church or sunday school. Never discussed or read the Bible with family. And yet, every year, I get together with some semblance of family and observe what turns into an overcommercialized disappointment. Just an excuse to buy useless crap for one another. But of course, it's not like that for people who have a religious connection to the holiday. The problem is, I hold no reverence for this sacred day.

"Winter Killing" - Stina Nordenstam, The World Is Saved, 2005

So I'm considering abandoning Christmas altogether. I mean, it's the last vestige of Christianity in my family. All other observances of religious holidays are long gone. We don't recognize Easter, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, etc. (Are there others? I wouldn't know.) My knowledge of Christian mythology is limited to the book of Genesis. And I couldn't feel more out of place during a church service if I tried. Seriously.

"Rien N'est Trop Beau" - Les Gam's, Twistin' the Rock, 1963

Now I've got to make some mimosas and cook up some omelets. What do you think? Should I give Festivus a try? (But I can still enjoy my Bing Crosby tunes, right?)