---reader submission---
It's XMAS --- Aren't You Feeling nOrMaL Yet?

12/20/01 - In response to the FoxNews "Normal" Poll, this is essentially what Americans are saying:

Decorations are there to make the Christmas period more enjoyable. But I get stressed by them because they're such a drag to put up. I also get stressed because I have to make sure my house is lit up better than the neigbour's.

This celebration of the day on which a supposed "Messiah" was born is celebrated by purchasing unneeded consumer goods at exorbitant prices, which are then given to each other. Much of this giving will be pointless as many of the goods are unwanted or unnecessary, and remain largely unused. The pleasure of giving the gift is negated by the feeling of pressure and obligation to get something for a huge list of people, and the fear of what people may think of me if I fail to adhere to this social norm. Actually thinking of what they might need and realising they don't really need anything should let me know something is wrong with this deal, but instead I will interpret this as a negative reflection on me, and become pressured that I cannot think of something to purchase.

I am stressed by this job that I do not really like too much. But I have to feed this family that I've spawned. This is an obligation. Spending time with them is not pleasurable. I have been unable to find a way to live a productive and full life with my family, resulting in the fact that any amount of extended time spent with them is not enjoyable for me at all. I'll just chalk that up to the mysterious attributes of "the holiday season" rather than asking myself "Why am I unable to get along with the few people who are closest to me?" or "Why, if this is misery, do I remain?"

What a strong healthy culture we have.