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Ah! December 23rd!!!
\\nI remember, back when I would get completely wrapped up in the gift giving aspect of the holidays, the 23rd and 24th were just a frantic blur of stress.
\\nRushing around from store to store...
\\nSqueezing the shopping in between the parties...
\\nMaxing our my credit cards because I really couldn\\u2019t afford what I \\u2018needed\\u2019 to buy for everyone...
\\nIt felt like the last leg of a marathon and by the time everything was wrapped - sometime around 2am on Christmas Eve, with a couple of empty wine bottles in tow - I felt like I crossed the finish line.
\\nAnd then I just felt spent.
\\nI\\u2019d be irritable the whole time and overindulging in the egg nog until the old family arguments would ensue.
\\nAnd for what?
\\nWith all the stress, I was never able to show up for the holidays.
\\nSo instead of warm and wonderful feelings that would live the nervous system of my loved ones, there was the excitement of a new toy, gadget, or jewelry.
\\nThis feeling of excitement would last maybe a few weeks or so.
\\nBut the emptiness arising from the lack of connection would last forever.
\\nDoes this resonate with you?
\\nIf so, would you like to prioritize your presence over the presents you buy?
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