Musings from a Rat

The Christmas Feeling

What makes the holidays feel like the holidays? I put out the decorations and the trees but that doesn't seem to do anything.

So when I think about christmas season this is what I comes into my minds eye.

The family take over in the kitchen when it is time to prepare. I am excited to make them but the realization this is out meal for the next like 2 weeks makes me groan. Maybe this is why I have no problem eating the same dish over and over again.

I can hear the background of too many people and being overstimulated with the small hope of shitty mall pizza carrying me through to the end. We either come out with everything or nothing, there is no in between.

I don't know why I DON EVEN LIKE PEPPERMINT MOCHA. I feel someone is my family was obsessed with this. It really is difficult to remember.

I never wore pajamas until my friend invited me to their family game night. pajamas were required, I remember buying the my only ever set for this event and wore it for each one. Their was also a baking family event???? It was fun I am glad I got to do it.

Still, that was when I lived in Texas, now I am not sure what is is that makes me feel like the holiday's are coming. So then the question is...what is there now. Well I don't actually know. I think I am still trying to figure that out.

I have hmm and ahhed for what is it... 9 days? really ever since putting the Christmas tree up and feeling...well nothing.

So what.....to....do.

Food

We have just about everything available all the time which does not create that sense of scarcity, and awe of stuff. I can make gingerbread cookies whenever I can, I mean I am an adult, but perhaps restricting things to certain times of the year, or adding things for specific seasons. The pumpkin spice effect if you will. So this is what I am thinking. This is for me personally, idk why you have read this far but come along on this mind journey with me why don't you.

hot chocolate- bringing out the winter hot chocolate with some mini marshmallows on my days off as I sit on my porch, or nearby window letting it be cold.

tomatoes - listen, idk but the warm smell of marinara sauce screams warm winter nights. Literally don't have a root for it, so we are just going with the gut feeling.

so spaghetti and maybe grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup? chicken marinara. Not sure. Going to try this guys marinara recipe though.

Cinnamon rolls - I don't normally eat desserts honestly, but i am a fan cinnamon rolls. Perhaps I can do every other weekend, I mean if it's just the holiday seasons that is like 4 Sunday mornings? omg back to the tomato thing, chilaquiles. Do those need tomatoes idk but maybe put in the effort on sunday morning to cook something oooo mix it up one morning cinnamon rolls the other chilaquiles... yes yes.

Chilaquiles Rojos

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I think I will end it here I don't want to add to much and be overwhelmed with choices. Remember future rat, do what you can. speaking off

Doing what you can

A few years ago I have decided to get allll my gift buying done before December. Slowly I am getting there I think this year I missed 2-3 gifts. Still! I want the holiday season to be a holiday, a time of relaxation and to partake in my hobbies in a soothing way.

this was also the first year ish? I have participated in fandom events. I love yall, but there is so much going on all the time! I added too much on my plate, and that is totally on me.

So no fan events for me during the holidays. If so get it done before thanksgiving if possible.

That does not mean not be busy, not I think I can relax while having events around me such as. Events to hand out with more friends. Charity events to fuel that sense of community. Family events since this is about being together and all, at least for me.

Vibes

Christmas music really does put you in the mood for it I think. So perhaps putting on some christmas music with a fake fireplace on the tv, or on my phone or wherever afterwork as I read.

Being around friends and family. Yes I remember the mall, the food, the pj's but they are all connected to people. That is important to me, i think. so including people in my little festivities really would cement everything.