There were a lot of things I meant to do in December—writing a Book Pilgrim post or two, for example—but, alas, I fell into my annual holiday malaise and accomplished virtually nothing.
Just realized I hadn't responded to this. Glad you found the post helpful. I think a lot of creative types have trouble with the season. But it seems somehow WRONG not to like Christmas, so we keep quiet about it. Then it festers. Good to talk to each other about it. Hope all's well with you and that, despite the shit-show of a world we live in at the moment, the new year will hold much happiness.
Loved this column, Barb, its insights into some of the issues surrounding "the season," but especially loved your candor. We have these times in life, and your honesty moved me. The book list shows that you didn't actually accomplish nothing, and now you've passed on these recs to us! Merci beaucoup from a fellow traveler, from time to time, on the Rue de Accomplished Virtually Nothing.
I made it through December with Beatriz Serrano's dark little comedy Discontent. It was the last book I finished in 2025 and it was just what I needed to cap off a difficult year.
If you couldn't tell from my Christmas story, I am not a big fan of December, either. Always a lot of expectations that mostly fall flat. I read somewhere that Christmas should be every other year or every four years like the Olympics and I would totally be okay with that.
Thanks so much for including SEX OF THE MIDWEST here!
It took me until adulthood to understand why I'd hear my dad muttering from time to time, "I hate #$%^ing Christmas" during the stretch leading up to the 25th.
I do not feel Christmas Malaise. I've always had glorious memories of Christmas, especially since I was old enough to pretend a belief in Santa and create surprises for my siblings...and later my children. I'm sorry to hear that you and apparently Melissa do. Regarding the books you've suggested here, I think The Irish Goodbye sounds intriguing---shades of my very Irish Catholic upbringing--for better and for worse. Thanks, Barb. Happy New Year, and I hope the malaise lifts soon.
Just realized I hadn't responded to this. Glad you found the post helpful. I think a lot of creative types have trouble with the season. But it seems somehow WRONG not to like Christmas, so we keep quiet about it. Then it festers. Good to talk to each other about it. Hope all's well with you and that, despite the shit-show of a world we live in at the moment, the new year will hold much happiness.
Loved this column, Barb, its insights into some of the issues surrounding "the season," but especially loved your candor. We have these times in life, and your honesty moved me. The book list shows that you didn't actually accomplish nothing, and now you've passed on these recs to us! Merci beaucoup from a fellow traveler, from time to time, on the Rue de Accomplished Virtually Nothing.
Ah, perspective.
I'll give it a try. Mine was Heart the Lover, which was sad but so good.
I made it through December with Beatriz Serrano's dark little comedy Discontent. It was the last book I finished in 2025 and it was just what I needed to cap off a difficult year.
I could work with every four years. (Maybe.)
If you couldn't tell from my Christmas story, I am not a big fan of December, either. Always a lot of expectations that mostly fall flat. I read somewhere that Christmas should be every other year or every four years like the Olympics and I would totally be okay with that.
Thanks so much for including SEX OF THE MIDWEST here!
It took me until adulthood to understand why I'd hear my dad muttering from time to time, "I hate #$%^ing Christmas" during the stretch leading up to the 25th.
Yes, my dad is also a real Scrooge and I get it now.
I'm glad it's a happy time for you.
I think you'd love The Irish Goodbye.
I do not feel Christmas Malaise. I've always had glorious memories of Christmas, especially since I was old enough to pretend a belief in Santa and create surprises for my siblings...and later my children. I'm sorry to hear that you and apparently Melissa do. Regarding the books you've suggested here, I think The Irish Goodbye sounds intriguing---shades of my very Irish Catholic upbringing--for better and for worse. Thanks, Barb. Happy New Year, and I hope the malaise lifts soon.
The Christmas malaise is real. Reading helps—as you know. Sending xox!