Beertown Song Devising (Rachel Grossman (vocals), Jon Reynolds (ukulele, vocals), Lorraine Ressegger (vocals), J. Argyl Plath (piano), Max Freedman (vocals, tambourine), Colin K. Bills (vocals))

I was asked to talk about my aversion to the holidays and to many of the group activities (caroling, gift giving, parties, etc.) that come along with this season. I don’t think I’m alone in these feelings of discomfort, but now, as I sit here in front of my computer, attempting to write something that will be enjoyable to you, our loyal blog reader, I am at a loss for words. So what if I don’t like certain rituals? It is clear that many people find great joy in these activities and celebrations. Isn’t that enough? And you know: it is. Regardless of my own dislike and the memories that these occasions tend to stir up for me, I would never want to deprive others of the happiness that they seem to derive from the annual festivities. And I think somewhere in this acceptance of what it means to those I care about is the means to slowly coming around to enjoying the season myself.

-Jeremy