Monday, December 2, 2013

Keeping Connected in a Hijacked Holiday

Well, I'm back.

*Points for reference*

As of 5:00 this evening, I am safe and sound in my dorm in South Hall, back from Thanksgiving break. What a great time to catch up with friends and family and go on some adventures!

I arrived at home late Wednesday night to my family watching Doctor Who. I've started something beautiful in this household. I stayed up late playing Minecraft with Jared and Seth, which was exactly what I needed after a fun but stressful semester. I missed those two so much. They are honestly my best friends in the entire world and understand me better than anyone else, despite their heavy sarcasm and constant snarky comments. I even got to hang out with the little guy, who I've missed more than anybody after our tearful farewell on move-in day. There's an unspoken bond between oldest and youngest. Anyone in this situation knows what I mean. 

The next day I got up and went to my grandparents' house for Piersma family Thanksgiving. Grandma Piersma cooked a fantastic meal as always, with turkey, mashed potatoes, green been casserole, and stuffing (not to mention both apple and pumpkin pie!) I got to meet my second cousins (which I did not know I had) and spend more quality time with my brothers, gaming again into the wee hours of the night.

Friday I returned to my post at Five Below. My, how I've missed running around that store. I got to see so many of my good work friends and meet some new ones! It was absolutely out of control all night (being Black Friday), but I made some money and got to see my fellow associates. I'm going to miss them, but I'll see them over the holidays!

"The holidays". What a meaningless term. "Happy holidays!" "It's the holiday season!" "And now for your favorite holiday music!" 

Honestly, it bothers me so much. 

I understand that people don't want a religion forced on them, but seriously. Christmas is by definition a Christian holiday. It is about the birth of Christ. CHRISTmas. And yet for some reason, people feel they have the right to take our holiday, rip Christ out of it, and make it a commercial mess. You don't see people commercializing Hanukkah or Ramadan. Sure, giving gifts and being with family is great, but it's not the reason for the season. 

While at work this week, I heard probably three dozen arrangements of secular holiday tunes sung by various artists. It was both exciting and infuriating. But then I heard something that made me stop for a moment. I don't know who was singing, but suddenly a beautiful rendition of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" came on over the speakers. I was oddly satisfied and invigorated.

Saturday was my one free day, or rather, my "spend time with ALL the friends" day. I started this day of visits with coffee at Biggby's with Nifer, which was a huge blessing. That girl is a sister to me, and she's always a blast to hang out with. I can always count on Nifer for sage advice, served with a sharp wit and a big hug. I also got to chill with El Josho, who I've barely talked to for months. Despite this separation, I feel like our friendship hasn't changed one bit: we're still best friends with an unhealthy Pokemon obsession and an ability to understand each other better than either of us would probably admit. Being with these two totally made my weekend.

And of course, no weekend would be complete without movie night at Klaassens! And what a night it was. Upon arrival I entered the house and saw the blur that was Audrey Dodge come flying out the living room. I threw open my arms, expecting a hug, but instead received a palm to the face at high velocity. Thank you, Audrey, and yes, my face is still attached. I got to see Julie, Andi, Ethan, Aaron, Aimee, Jess, and Nichole all at once, and devour large amounts of fudge while watching Robert Downey Jr. solve mysteries. Needless to say, it was a good night.

And now I'm home. Already tonight I've caught up with all my friends, eaten dinner with Tater, Curly, and Sherlock, received what was probably the best and biggest hug in history from Sierra, and laughed my head off as Mal-Mal punched giant lizards during Pacific Rim.

It was good to be home, but honestly, it's good to be home.

No song tonight. Tonight I don't need a song to say how I feel. Tonight, I am at peace.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

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