Unrelated to FiMFiction. . .

The madness is starting to set in. It always happens at this time of year, and is nigh impossible to escape. Almost everywhere, it's happening.

I speak, of course, of the OVERSATURATION OF CHRISTMAS. I can deal with the lights and decor aspects easily enough. That's fine. But the music, the change of work uniform to a more Christmasy look (DISGUSTING), the madness and stupidity of people in general at this time of year, it culminates in one of the two ways to drive me nuts.

And it lasts for a whole month.

I am not going to be a happy camper for a while. Probably not until next year.

If you do observe the holiday festivities, I have some simple tips to minimize stress.

• Don't fret about the decor so much. The less work you put into putting them up, the less work it is to take them down. It also helps minimize the necessary storage space. No decor, no worries.
• Don't make such a big deal out of the gifts. You don't need to one-up anyone, least of all yourself. Gift cards are lazy, yes, but they can be used for anything.
• If you don't know what to get someone, just ask them what they want. It might be easier to shop for them that way.
• If you want to donate to a charity or organization in your recipient's name, ask them first. If they say No, then don't do it.
• Basically, if you can, just take the lazy way with the whole thing, and try to get everyone you can to do the same. Less stress, fewer headaches, better holiday.

If it seems like I'm being a sourpuss about the holidays, it's because I am. Once they're done, I'll be back to normal.