Something that the end of year holidays always reminds me of is how much I loathe tradition for the sake of tradition.

Why should the fourth Thursday in November be "the day" the family gets together to too much. Aren't there better reasons, especially ones that aren't so dubiously historical, and of such dubious moral value.

But then, Christmas is really no better. Anyone who knows a thing about the bible knows that Jesus (if he existed at all) wasn't born around the Winter Solstice. So what is the point? Especially for non-believers? I understand my mom likes the presents and all--and I can hardly argue--and of course, she would prefer to see her kids as often as possible... but seriously, if there is to be a big travel day, why does it have to be in the middle of winter? And within a month of another big 'family' holiday? Couldn't we get this a little more spaced out?

And why turkey? Why not lamb? Or peacock for that matter? I've never been particularly fond of turkey. All those nasty bones in the meat. And who wants to be in a room full of 50 people?

Call me a killjoy, but I just don't get it. I don't find the holidays particularly 'fun'.