Do you embrace holiday hoopla, or do you count the days until it’s all over? I’m in the latter camp, and I’m planning ahead – looking for books, movies, ideas, anything to get me through the seasonal shenanigans with a smile on my face.

It’s that time of the year again, already. Halloween, Guy Fawkes, Diwali – check. Next up, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas. Kylie turned on the Oxford Street lights a couple of weeks ago, and every TV channel, magazine and billboard is saturated with images of happy, smiling, picture-perfect families celebrating together. No wonder people get stressed, crazy and broke trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal.

I’m a holiday humbug, have been for as long as I can remember. I’ve been trying to figure out why, since I love my family and my husband’s family, believe the world could use more kindness and generosity, and would never, ever turn down a good party. I think my problem is Continue reading →