Christmas is Chaos. For years I have failed at properly boycotting Christmas. As the first of my siblings to “miss” Christmas I have struggled for years between two sides which live inside me. The holiday spirited side which I presume stems from my mother whom is nothing short of: Mrs. Claus in December, the magic which comes from a party popper on New Year’s, the Easter Bunny come April, a firecracker in July, Frankenstein by October and she might as well be the turkey, chef and catering company when Thanksgiving rolls around. The alternative spirit inside me has in no particular order over the past years tried to “watch” Christmas and neither gave nor receive gifts, jetted off to Asia and claimed to not have the time or money (truly it was no desire) to fly 24 hours back to the United States for the holiday, spent two years in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland playing badminton, skiing and playing cards during Christmas. Next year I predict I will be somewhere begging my family and friends to ditch the presents and stress of pleasing others and jump into living life (hint: will accept all curious visitors during holidays whom wish to adventure).
This Christmas was slightly different. It was Kevin’s first Christmas in America and he was quickly overwhelmed at one point stating that “Christmas felt like it lasted a whole week.” While neither of us enjoy the gift exchange fully, we will forever be grateful for our new lightweight tent and other creative minimalist travel ideas the family conjured. I personally enjoyed sending Christmas cards to those around the globe and can’t wait to keep that tradition alive no matter where I may be living or travelling.
- If you want to be added to the Christmas card/post card list, drop me an email with your name and address to cj.rhoades@outlook.com or social media message DM on FB or Instagram @ciej_themoment
BrokeonBike 