Thanksgiving all the way through New Year is my favorite time of the year. I love to celebrate the holidays with friends but two days are sacrosanct and are always ideally spent in glorious solitude. Those two days are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

But before you feel sorry for me. Remember alone does not mean lonely

I just love the calmness and serenity that comes with taking yourself out of the mix on those two nights. Instead of getting caught up in that whirlwind of shopping and heightened expectations for magical nights of gift giving and toasting, I’d rather spend that time serenely by myself. Now if Brad were around, we’d spend the time together but he’s in Arizona doing his Winter art residency. And like me, he’s not into obligatory holiday celebrations.

I realize I’m also a bit of a non-conformist.

Spending time alone especially on occasions when people assume you should be with your family or friends, e.g., major holidays or even weekends, feels right to me. I guess that’s also why I find it odd that people only ever ask about your plans for the weekend, they never ask what you’re doing during the week. My socializing happens Monday through Friday. Going out on the weekends is such a hassle, it’s never as good as during the week.

But back to Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Anybody who has even a passing acquaintance with me, knows I am a major “planner.” Spending time alone on Christmas Eve gives me an opportunity to plan my year and do a little self-reflection.

This year’s night of introspection was accompanied by an amazing cheese plate and a great wine. The soundtrack for all this reflection was by Sade and k.d. lang (does having a virtual assistant like Alexa mean I’m not really alone?). The vibe at Rivington last night was first-rate.

Now, New Year’s Eve I don’t like celebrating because it feels so fake. It stresses me out be around so many people who are in that obligatory fake happy mood.

Also, I long ago gave up drinking on New Year’s Eve because starting the New Year with a major hangover gets the year off to such a bad start. It’s a bad omen. But I do love a New Year’s Day shindig – and have had some great ones! May have to bring that celebration back in this New Decade.

Bottom line.

Christmas Eve 2019 was excellent. Lots of self-insight and totally relaxing! It’s as close as I get to spirituality.

Today I will celebrate Christmas at Soho House with some of my besties.

Merry Merry to all of you who celebrate! Happy Wednesday to everyone else!