The iconic phrase “Bah humbug!” from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol has transcended literature and become synonymous with a disdain for the festive season. While I’ve never delved into the novel or its cinematic adaptations, the sentiment behind those words is clear – Ebenezer Scrooge’s rejection of Christmas is encapsulated in those two words, reflecting a skepticism towards the holiday’s true essence.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “bah humbug” is an expression of disapproval or lack of enjoyment for something widely celebrated, particularly on special occasions like Christmas.

Now, don’t mistake my lack of enthusiasm for outright disapproval. I don’t necessarily revel in holidays the way many in our society do. Independence Day’s fireworks, Halloween’s ghoulish costumes, Thanksgiving’s indulgent feasts, and the pressure-laden gift exchanges of Christmas don’t resonate with me as they might with others. It’s not a rejection of the genuine meanings behind these occasions, but rather a reluctance to partake in the commercialized fervor that often surrounds them. While I appreciate spending time with family, the festive spirit eludes me.

This wasn’t always the case. In my childhood, holidays were a source of pure joy – the anticipation of presents and the dazzle of fireworks. Even as a teen and young adult, my enthusiasm remained steady, especially while having my own young children and enjoying watching them enjoy these days. However, as time has passed, my perspective has evolved.  Yes, they offer a break from work, a chance for some downtime; including close to two weeks off during the “Winter Break” from school. Yet, more often than not, these days off are consumed by errands and pre-scheduled appointments, rendering holidays just another date on the calendar.

Some might label me a Scrooge, but I prefer to think of myself as a homebody—an unadventurous introvert. I don’t rain on other peoples’ parades; I just prefer not to have one myself. Does this make me a bad person? A miserable or horrible human being? I would argue not, but opinions may differ.

So, in essence, I would rather just stay at home and not go full celebratory about the holidays. And the worse is the ritualistic question when going back to work: “How was your holiday?” I just shrug my shoulders and reply with a simple, “It was okay” or “Mmm, I’m just not that festive.” I try to avoid the questions from others as much as possible, but so many people seem to feel obligated to ask.

As I sit on my couch, typing and engrossed in New Year’s Day college football, bidding farewell to 2023 and the holiday season, and ushering in 2024 with a full calendar of celebrations, I extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to you and your family. And I genuinely mean it.