I always think of going into hiding this time of year.
Even more so now that I have read that Black Friday sales were "better" than expected. (Wonder if that included pepper spray? Only kidding - but how sad is that? - Are we really losing our grip on reality so badly that we are willing to fight in the real world to be able to do so in the game world? I have now have yet another reason for going into hiding it seems.)
Why do I hide? Simple. The pressure to consume and buy without rational thought along with the incumbent guilt for not doing so. The forced pressure to give. I have read the surveys that say people will spend money on toys for their kids rather than for food - because it is vital to keep the kids happy. I tend to think that perpetuating fantasy in this way and not facing reality is problem adults face because they were not taught how to do so as kids. A perpetuating myth that everything is going to be all right continues to linger and endure. You already know how I feel about false optimism. (Yes I will be a member of the one percent someday.)
I am not bah humbug. I know I do not have anywhere near the money to give to everyone who seems to be asking. I am not even exchanging gifts this year. I'll be a pariah of the holidays, but I am facing my reality. Looking at what is happening in the world and understanding is a valuable gift too. That ability is a great gift - and one I will use many times over (as opposed to stuffing it in a drawer or re-gifting it). A song for the holidays.
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