There are people in my orbit who think that I hate Christmas. Their thinking is erroneous. I like to think that my thoughts on Christmas are evolved. So what does that mean, exactly?

I actually enjoy much of what Christmas represents. For instance, I enjoy the mythology of the holiday. There is something very poetic about The Light of the World (Christ) coming into the world at the darkest time of the year. I love the cooler temperatures. I live in Phoenix so any respite from heat is welcomed. I love Christmas lights. I find beauty in the various methods of decoration people use to adorn their homes (inside and out). I also love the traditional foods that accompany the holiday. I also love Christmas movies. Movies such as A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and Love Actually.

There are several things I dislike about Christmas. I dislike forced obligations like attending parties and buying gifts. What's funny is I really enjoy buying gifts for other people, but I hate buying gifts because it's expected that I do so. I dislike receiving gifts. My main issue about receiving gifts is people usually get me things I don't want or need. When I get such a gift I feel obligated to keep it, which irritates me, so I prefer to not receive gifts at all. Besides, I'm trying to live a minimalist life and I hate things that add to clutter.

I want to celebrate Christmas by eating great food, drinking great wine, enjoying lights, and watching my favorite films.