Holidays are Over...

I have a love hate relationship with the holidays. I'm glad that it's over and everything is back to normal. But then I don't understand why I look forward to Christmas every year.

What I love about the holidays:
1. The excitement. There is something warm and fuzzy about the holidays. People are nicer but crazier in a good way. There's this optimism, new expectancy of "something, some change is going to happen."

2. Gift giving. Who doesn't like to receive gifts? Even though I just spent money on you, I like that you are also giving me something in return. Let's just hope you gave me something I like.

3. Family. It's the time of the season that you and your family can get together and celebrate. It's a time to say "I love you."

What I hate about the holidays:
1. The stress. It's the busiest season. The malls are packed. Do I really know what you want for Christmas? What if I get you something you already have or something you didn't like? Do you really need this? What about the Math Final? (well that's when I was in school). What about the Holiday Gift Guide catalog that needs go out prior to the holidays? Sales, Specials, where to advertise, when to do it, and are we going to make that deadline? (My reality now)

2. Family. Yeah, though I love them, they like to congregate at my house for the holidays. And that means more clean up for me. After they leave, I'm the one who cleans the house from top to bottom.

3. Money. I wish the holidays didn't have to involve money. Because the holidays bleed me dry. The "No Credit, No Problems" doesn't work anymore. It's more like, "No Credit, More Problems."