Christmas vs. consumerism

Ok, so that forcing myself into the Christmas spirit thing is not working out. It never really does, and I don't know why I thought this year would be any different.

Every year I wonder why we frustrate and overwhelm ourselves in the spirit of the holidays. And every year we do it again, and again, until we either die, go completely insane, or maybe more sanely, throw our hands up in the air and shout Uncle.

Do the people we love, and who love us back, really believe that if they don't get the most fabulous presents, that there is no love?

Maybe you can tell that the holidays are a bit of a struggle for me. And this year is no different. In fact, it's probably even trickier than ever. Why you ask? Well, let's just keep it at that, it's tricky.

So, what's the answer to keeping this holiday simple, yet enthusiastic and full of love? What is the real Christmas spirit all about? Does consumerism dictate if we are in the Christmas spirit or not?

One thing about this time of year here in Laguna is that the sunsets are amazing! Appreciation for these color infused sunsets is where I've been finding some inspiration these days.

Squid boats at sunset

Simple pleasures, isn't that what's really important? 

Sunset after the storm

The Dalai Lama posted some wise words on his Facebook page today. It's true! I know, you have to laugh that the Dalai Lama is updating his status, right?

He said, "I am especially encouraged to see that thinking of consumerism as an end in itself seems to be giving way to an appreciation that we humans must conserve the earth's resources."

Smart guy. I'm going to try to try out simplicity this year. Maybe I'll have more luck getting into the spirit of that.