One of the things that used to confuse me about Christmas was how come I was such a Grinch and got depressed instead of enjoying all the activities, and singing and parties and presents and, and ...
And then I realized my moods change with the seasons, and my body feels, in the dark and cold of the year, like it is time to hang out in the back of the cave and introspect and sit in the dark.
When I started honoring that, in a solstice ritual with a few friends and a journey into the silent places in our hearts, the whole season started making more sense.
Mind you, this is not Pagan vs Christian; it has to do with going out or going in. My spirit craves a time of contemplation by the fire, not an all out assault on the senses that happens when I go shopping. No quiet anywhere, and lots of desperation.
Taking the silence and inner time I need makes the other parts of the holiday season work so much better.
Blessings,
Barbara