A Mike Mort Christmas

With the holiday season upon us I find myself sorting through many different types emotions, some of which are really good and others are quite low. It is somewhat frustrating to me watching people get so caught up in all the manufactured cheer and blatant materialism that runs rampant around Christmas time. Some people are under the opinion that being politically correct is ruining the meaning of Christmas and it makes you somehow un-American, I disagree with that view, I feel that the cultish system of corporate greed if anything would be changing the meaning not religious tolerance. 
This time of year tends to cause me to reflect upon my life, I examine the positives, the negatives, what I have and what I do not, all at once in a tornado of emotion and thought. The holidays for the most part though, are a positive time I really enjoy getting to see some of my favorite people and participating in our annual traditions. 

Tradition; one word that gets tossed around a lot in my house this time year, in both joyous and glum regards. 

My family has picked up many great traditions over the years here are some of my favorites:

The Mort family holiday open house! Each year we host a huge party to which around 70 people attend made up friends, family and neighbors! Thank you readers that came on Saturday!

Cookies, Cookies and more Cookies! My mom being amazing and such, loves to bake all sorts of delicious cookies that are to the envy of anyone with taste buds!

The Disney room! Every year the family room is adorned with the countless Disney Christmas decorations we have acquired over the many years!

Holiday films! Some of must watch list includes; The Polar Express, Scrooged(yeah Bill Murray!), It's A Wonderful Life and Elf to name a few!

We Love ours traditions that is for sure but we have had to learn that sometimes you need to be able to change, let go and create new traditions as your life evolves. It can be quite devastating when life changes your plans and traditions my family and I know this firsthand but we have to just go with the flow as with anything in life. 

Last Christmas was pretty shitty to be honest, my Grandfather passing definitely put a damper on last year's festivities. 

This lyric is pretty on point about this year:   

"A long December and there's reason to believe 

Maybe this year will be better than the last..." 

-Counting Crows "A Long December" (1996)

I feel that the holidays are an important time regardless of where your faith lies, and everyone's should be respected.

This year, avoid buying into the corporate stereotype of how this time of year should play out, there are gifts that just cannot be bought at a store or on Amazon.com! Kindness, a conversation, love or time are things that you can give people for the holidays that are a lot more powerful of a statement. I encourage you, the reader to carry out a random act of kindness for the benefit of a complete stranger in your life this season, and make the world a better place!

I wish you all a Happy Holidays from the bottom of my heart! 

Much love,

Mike

P.S. Blonde Zooey Deschanel from Elf!