christmas isn’t real, but the holiday magic is

While I grew up Catholic, I am not a religious person.

So the holiday season is a couple different vibes for me:

1 - Because my parents and extended family are still heavily involved in the church, I partake in some of the annual traditions out of respect and love for them — especially when visiting one of their homes.

2 - As a kid raised by (and obsessed with) 90’s Disney movies that gave me the warm fuzzies, I’m simply enamored with the lights and songs and theatrics of it all from a very secular, yet wondrous place.

I logically know that December 25th is just a day on the calendar like any other.

But our capitalist society shoves all kinds of marketing hoopla in my face to make me feel some type of way each year AND DAMMIT IT WORKS AND I THOROUGHLY ENJOY IT.

It took me a few decades, but I’ve found a way to be a non-christian internally while still enjoying the made-up festivities around me.

It’s sort of how any restaurant with those big white patio lights outside looks like a party and makes me want to eat there, even though the food is probably average at best.

It’s also how I don’t really enjoy too many alcoholic drinks, but if you give me a fruity-looking one in a giant colorful glass with fancy garnishes and a fun-sounding name, I’LL TAKE TWO! 🍹🍹

I know it isn’t real. I know it’s all packaging.

But if I relax a bit and just let it exist without being so cynical (which is honestly kind of hard)…it can all be fun!

I don’t need to praise jesus or believe in santa to enjoy the decorations around my neighborhood.

And that’s nice 🙂

Speaking of secular holiday shit that gives me nice feels…

THE HANNAH WADDINGHAM HOLIDAY SPECIAL WAS SO FUCKING MAGICAL!!!

Like all of you, I fell in love with this woman while watching Ted Lasso.

So when this event was announced, I obviously and immediately added it to the watch list.

Her voice, her dresses, her big gay choir, her guest appearances from so many costars all made this as delightful as i hoped and then some.

If you enjoy watching people genuinely display their talents and have apple tv and about 45 minutes of time, I would 10/10 recommend.

Unrelated to anything in this post so far, Raising Cane’s replied to my tweet and i’ve never felt more seen and supported.

Thanks RC for the deliciousness.

And for hiring a responsive social media manager.

If you haven’t heard the “Ultimate Air Supply” album lately, it’s time for a revisit.

This track, specifically, is the anthem you probably (definitely) need to jam loudly on your next drive.

Lastly, the blue Prime drinks are incredibly yummy and that’s all i have to say about that.

thanks for being here and reading my stuff 🫶

Hope you’re hanging in there and not losing your mind during this last stretch of the year.

Talk to you this weekend :)

xoxo,

AV