Mini Curiosity: Decking the Halls with Boughs of Anxiety

Current Curiosities 

[Reading] Gaysians by Mike Curato

[Listening] Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Bronwyn Newport)

[Watching] Charlie's Angels + Full Throttle


Cue Holiday Anxiety in 3, 2, 1
​

There comes a time for Christmas
And I really have to ask
If this is feeling merry
How much longer must it last?

— Blues Traveler, Christmas, A Very Special Christmas 3

Every year around this time, I feel growing anxiety and a nostalgia, a grief for a past that never really existed. I know it's the shorter days and colder weather. Though I do love snow, and when Diego Dog was alive, I loved taking walks with him in the snow. And I know holidays are layered with unrealistic internal and external expectations. Complicated family dynamics and histories exacerbate these expectations. 

This year, I'm being more deliberate about how I spend my time and with whom. I'm even being intentional about how I listen to Christmas music in order to combat anxiety and to cultivate joy and wonder. I have a modest vinyl collection, which features a few Christmas albums, so instead of hitting next indefinitely on Spotify trying to find the best song for a particular ephemeral mood, I'm slowly down and listening to whole holiday albums.

And honestly, it's really helped. I don't have to think about what song is coming next. I can just enjoy the ride — until the needle reaches the end of the track and the record needs flipping. Unsurprisingly, I really like the tactile nature of vinyl (careful of fingerprints, dingdong!). And turning over the record requires movement — stepping away from my desk, taking a quick break from a project — providing a moment to breathe, to decompress, to reset.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorite Christmas albums from my collection:

• The Beach Boy's Christmas Album 

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas
• A Motown Christmas
• Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' It's A Holiday Soul Party
• Snowy Setlist (A Target Exclusive)
• Soul Christmas

Remember to take time for yourself. Remember no is a full sentence. And remember to cultivate your own joy. Wishing y'all warm, relaxing time with friends, family, and chosen family this holiday season!

Thank you very much for your time. If you have recommendations or curiosities, please fill out this nifty contact form.

Sending y’all supportive, well-caffeinated vibes, 

Creighton 

Today’s Pen(cil): Sherpa Ugly Christmas Sweater 2018 Limited Edition Pen Cover [Sharpie]