Living Closeted

Put a ring on it... No, not that way

Days flew by after the ball as tests and exams took over our lives. We're were all becoming less and less cheery and more and more grumpy and quiet. Everybody was focusing on himself and his studies trying not to be overwhelmed by the hard math tests or the dozens of essays at English literature. On top of these, we had physics and chemistry and a couple of other demanding subjects we had to focus on. 

No wonder that sooner than later Christmas was knocking at my door. Well, literally knocking. I woke up a Saturday morning to the knocking of somebody eager to see a grumpy teenage student. Where's everybody? Am I alone? I'm still too sleepy to make anything of my thoughts just yet. I walk pretty much instinctively to the door. I take a peak on the tiny visor to see who's there, but all I could see was this giant green thing. 

I open the door and there was the entire family, behind this huge tree with bags of Christmas decorations and all. They must've gone shopping without me. Why couldn't they get in without me though? *sigh, there goes my sleep. I carry some of the bags in so as to help a little and not look like a complete ingrate. 

-Is Christmas already here? I say with a still husky, raspy voice. 
-Yeah, tomorrow. What? Did you lose track of time again?
-Pretty much. All this studying... It just feels like I'm living one endless day really.
-You know studying isn't everything right? says mom.
-Well, mom, I would go into the details of how broken our education system is and how even if I am aware of it, I still need the grades to get into a good college, but I just woke up.
-Oh shut it and unpack these. 

I let out a small sigh as I look to the handful of large bags some with groceries and supplies the others with Christmas decorations. I quickly make my way through them as I was deeply motivated by the churning empty stomach that kept reminding me I need fuel to function. 

-But how close is Christmas? Is it 24 today? Like, have I really spaced out that much? I say jokingly.
-Yeah! says, dad.

That's not good then. That means the new year eve's party is right around the corner and I still need to get a haircut, clothes and something for the host. And I did tell the girls we were doing gifts to each other this year. 

-Well, that is very unfortunate for you. I have to go gift shopping. On Tuesday we exchange gifts. Me and the gang. And I need clothes for myself. 
-Haven't you already gone? I gave you the money a week ago! 
-Mom! I barely knew my name last week. I had 3 term papers this week and 2 presentations. My mind was liquifying. 
-Ok but you decorate the tree first with your sister. 

I let out a big sigh. It's not like I hated Christmas or something. I just never felt the vibe. I don't particularly feel more joyous or more generous. And certainly, I don't feel the whole Mariah Carey "All I want for Christmas" hype. It's like every year she is rebirth. I hate the song. And I sort of dislike the singer too for the character and diva attitude she has. Given all this, I am the best decorator in the house. So I do my best with the tree because I still have a reputation to uphold. But as soon as I hang the last bauble I am out the door. 

The mall is pretty close to us so it's only a 15-minute walk, which was so pleasant given the warm December weather that we were having. Climate change huh? 
First up were the gang's presents. We set ourselves a budget. Nothing too expensive, but nothing below 20 dollars. For Emma, I got this really nice scarf, for Aya this poetry book. She loves reading. For Anya, I got some art supplies, which I'm not an expert of so I really hope she likes them. Of course, the cheaper stuff is not that good in terms of quality, that much I know. But we have a budget. And of course, I bought some gifts for Maya and Ethan and Adrian. Yes, for Adrian. He's part of the group. That means he has to buy me something too. So fair game. I got him this book on how to be less of a douchebag. Subtle, I know.