Today I sat at my computer all day, having fulfilled most of a regular work day, on Christmas Eve.  The building, literally, was empty except for me.  Christmas revelers went home early to have dinner with families; the Jews went home to go out for Chinese food and watch a movie.  I quietly cranked out as much work as I could, in preparation for leaving town and depriving my fellow staff of my presence for several days.  I should have been lonely or something but honestly I didn't care. 

Most of my friends have some version of the holiday blues, because they're not with family; we are the people who were invited out for dinner a few days ago, by people who spend Christmas with relatives, but wanted to have a "Christmas" with their friends before they had to leave for the real event.  It's a nice gesture, but in the background is always the nagging fact that it's not real.  There's really no fulfillment in being a glorified consolation prize. For me it's just a hassle, and a little forced.

So for Christmas, I'm going to Mexico City.  I made these plans weeks ago, with a friend from London; we are going for some cheap thrills and a change of pace.  Mr. London came up with the idea, although he was under the impression that "Mexico City" was a tropical destination, a logical presumption considering any beach in Mexico is gorgeous this time of year.  Alas, Mexico City is not near a beach.  Nor is it near sea level, where the air is warm.  Mexico City is up in the mountains, with thin air at a brisk 70 degrees in the middle of the day.  Since I live in Miami, where now on Christmas Eve I still use my air conditioner, I'm excited to go someplace I can wear my sweaters; but he is miffed that he chose the one place in Mexico where he can't lay out and enjoy drinks in coconut shells.  I'll make sure my excitement rubs off on him, because I am SO excited to go.  Mexico City is amazing, I'll make sure he has fun.

~~~

I was thinking about those "What is love?" compilations, where they ask kids the question and get funny answers.

For me, I think Love is when someone asks you to taste your food, and you give them an extra-big bite.

If it's not Love, you get territorial when the bite is big.  Like hey, give me back my food.  But Love...you want more? I want you to love what's on my plate.

It just popped into my head today.  Do you share your food? I hope you share generously when it matters, because it does matter.

This has nothing to do with T.L., I was just watching people eat.

Comments

[scooterzz]

merry christmas, renzi.....i've been a fan forever...you do have a way with words....

[Gus Moore]

Merry Christmas, Dan. I love your definition of love.

[blackbird]

Merry Christmas, with love...

bb

[Chris in Long Beach]

Just as a joke - Does that mean that fat people are full of love?

Dan - Have a wonderful time in Mexico City. Enjoy the food there and may 2010 be a better year for you and everyone!

[tater]

I am one of those who wants to feed everyone.. I say love with food.. Have a Merry Christmas and remember, that those of us who have a house full of the family units today are envying the crap out of you who go gets to do what you want, without listening to Aunt Mabel bitch about her bunions..

The grass is always greener....

[darryll]

I'm a cliche. I had Chinese food last night.

Because I'm a cliche I'm sorry that I had nothing to post on your previous blog in regards to heartbreak. The only thing I could I could think of, and realised was useless, was at least you don't have a child that someone is holding hostage from you.

[josie]

it wasn't chinese, it was waffle house, but still surprsingly good.

[Glenn D]

Pre-holiday parties are fine but it still doesn't make up for feeling depressed on the actual holiday. I've spent many holidays by myself. That's why I usually spend it with friends who don't have family nearby/talk with "family" or whose family is deceased. I can count on one friend who is Jewish for Christmas. I invite those with family to stop by after eating with their family.

PS Dan, I'm sorry for the posts that annoyed you this past year. I've been trying to be good.

[brad]

i love your life observations. in a way, food IS love. hope you have a fantastic time in mexico.

[Paul Wynn]

Haha, a rich kid who knows he's rich... "I'm on a boat!"

[Lori]

I completely agree with you that Love is sharing one's food. :)

Happy New Year Dan! XOXO

[misscrankypants]

Happy New Year! Hope you enjoyed your trip.