Mike & I haven't had a traditional Christmas for quite some time. Our last Christmas tree was the 'Real Tree Debacle of 2000' when, among other events, our Yorkie almost died from ingesting pine needles and a jogger may have required medical care after tripping over our illegally dumped tree in the neighbouring city park after several frustrating attempts to dispose of it legally had failed. We tried to keep the spirit alive for a few years after that disaster; exchanging gifts, preparing a big dinner, etc., but it was awkward with just the two of us. While one of us would unwrap a present the other would watch and take pictures, and then we'd switch. Awkward.
There comes a point when reason trumps tradition and we decided to take back Christmas. In 2009 we started a new tradition, spending Christmas on holiday. We stopped exchanging presents because we're adults and buy what we want when we want. It didn't make sense to not buy something so the other person could buy it, wrap it, then watch you unwrap it, knowing the whole time you knew what it was. It still makes no sense. Christmas is for kids.
On Monday we remove to our Roman flat for the holidays. We'll be staying near the Colosseum, with a view of it from our rooftop deck. While most people are enjoying Christmas with family and friends, we'll be sucking down Limoncellos surrounded by strangers and not understanding anything anyone around us is saying. That, friends, is what we call a Merry Christmas.
We wish you all the same.
