Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas - Judy Garland

If you’re looking for a heartwarming, holiday read then let me warn you: this isn’t it. Don’t let the disco Christmas tree fool you.

It is past 5PM, Christmas eve, and I’m sitting in front of the computer, mildly wondering what I was doing at exactly the same time last year. Well, if I remember correctly, at this very same moment, I was with K. We were, I think having a post-coital conversation on his impending trip to his home province, which meant he would be unable to join me in the Christmas day lunch at Ted’s house. We went over some work-related stuff in front of my computer afterwards. If I remember correctly too, I spent Christmas eve last year alone, which I didnt mind at all, because that time I needed to catch some needed sleep, as were very busy with the magazine the past week.

Now, a year later, I’m still sitting in front of my good old computer. Sure, many things have changed in the last 12 months. I’ve moved to a new house, got myself a room-mate, and K and I broke up for the last time (I hope). I lost my gall bladder, shed a few pounds, what else? Oh, yes, I lost and gained friends (again!). And yet, I find myself in almost the same situation as I was last year.

My plans for the night? Simple. Have dinner with a couple of friends at a Chinese restaurant with a French name (a potentially interesting cuisine). Then go back to writing these reports that are due  on the end of the month. There is an invitation to attend a Christmas dinner at a friend’s house. This friend is a new arrival here in Phnom Penh, but some of my friends here have known him in the Philippines. I thought of accepting his invitation but I finally decided against it because this new friend’s room-mate is a ‘dead-to-me’ (an explanation of the term can be found HERE).

I’ve been tempted to attend nonetheless and just ignore him (like this dead-to-me’s ex had been doing) but I’d rather not. I have too much delicadeza to do that to him in his home, regardless of our non-friendly status. If the party was in another place, I wouldn’t mind. After all, my skills in ignoring people I don’t like have never been this sharp. But I’d rather not unhinge my fangs and claws.

Better just to do something productive.

As the title says, have a merry little (or huge–it’s up to you) Christmas! I know I’ll have one! Let me leave you with a closer look at my disco tree. Similar to Fuschiaboy’s own lovely tree.