Holidays

I live alone.  A have a few close friends. My family is in other parts of the world.  I was in a relationship for several years that resulted in my spending my holidays either entertaining many people, or being a guest somewhere. That got really old.

I like being able to have a quiet holiday without much hoopla, no guests, and just being.  I was talking to a coworker this week about the holidays.  She said they had occasion to spend a holiday with friends, but the friends said they did not want to get out of their pajamas, so if they had company, the company should also just wear pajamas.  This coworker said it was really nice and comfortable.

Why do we stress ourselves out over the holidays with so many preparations, so much work, so much hassle. 

Another coworker said she envied my low stress holiday plans.  She will be having guests this year, but is grateful they are "low maintenance " guests.

I understand this.  I had thought to invite some friends for the holiday, but I decided that was not a good idea.  The thought of cooking a holiday meal was okay, but the thought of people lingering after I was ready for them to leave was not good. 

I sometimes think I am an old Scrooge. But that is okay.