Holiday HIGH

It's November. There is a chill in the air somewhere, but not where I live because Florida is in some sort of subtropical vortex with only one season. Nevertheless, I hear there is a chill in the air elsewhere. The Starbucks Holiday cups and flavors have been released, and Christmas trees are being trimmed as we speak. In years past, I've talked about what a painful reminder the holidays can be for some. I've also noticed how many people rely on the holidays for joy, and how quickly that joy fades as soon as January comes around. As soon as the twinkle lights go out, so does the sparkle in so many people's hearts.

From the time we're old enough to make a list for Santa, we're running around singing about how it's "The most wonderful time of the year," and there is no doubt that more cookies are consumed between the months of November and December than all the other month's combined. As a society, we live for this time, so what happens when it's all over?

I'm not suggesting we get any less excited about the Holiday Season and all the magic that comes with it, I am a sucker for the Home Alone movies and I love a Coquito as much as the next Puerto Rican. Still, I don't put all my celebratory eggs in the Christmas basket. I like to scatter my exciting plans throughout the years, so I always have something special to look forward to. Something else, I don't wait until the Holidays to spend time with the people I love. I don't only gift for Christmas, and I believe in champagne for no reason at all.

Sure January means the end of the Holiday Season. It also means the start of the clearance sales on all the overpriced decor you've been eyeing for months. The mall will finally have parking spaces available, and if you time it right, you can return that ugly sweater your cousin got you for a bikini because Spring Break is right around the corner.