The 2025 version: most of us find ourselves in unpayable debt to the so-called healthcare system under trump, with insurance coverage just a twisted joke.  Housing insecurity isn’t just about other people, it has become personal and precarious.  No matter how hard and long you work to support your family’s needs and protect them, it’s never enough.

Of course kids don’t understand all this greedy profiting off or punishing innocent people, or why their parents are so overworked and inaccessible.  They want all the stuff consumerism throws at them.  Or they want to abuse substances to escape reality, incurring more medical debt for their parents.  This time of year just rubs it in more.

And the orange scrooge/grinch fiends aren’t turning over a new leaf anytime ever.  May they all die a terrible lingering death.  And that’s my cheery xmas message for 2025 and counting.  Not being cynical, it’s just facts.

Having said all that, I’ve been enjoying a really pleasant cozy time hanging out with the family and dog, everyone draped lazily over furniture and floor.  We had the traditional Chinese takeout for xmas eve, and watched funny movies.  I even got into the festive spirit(s?) and hung a bunch of colorful lights all over the living/dining room.  It’s the kind of quiet, family time together you want this time of year, especially with all the insecurity and stress looming just outside the door.

Loucious got all frisky and dirty outside in the unseasonably warm weather, and had to take a bath!  Then the damp dog joined all the draped kids on the sofa and was in doggy euphoria.