The snow fell lightly, covering the row of brick houses in a dense white blanket. Children ran through the alley whooping and cheering because of the snow day, parents grumbled as they shoveled pathways out of their doors.

I watched them from the window as I put the remaining cookies in tins and sealed them with a few pieces of tape. It had taken me the whole month of December to finally realize that it was Christmas time. And even still, the feeling hadn’t really set in. I felt completely desensitized to the whole ordeal. And who could blame me? They practically start throwing Christmas at you in October. By now, every overplayed Christmas song on the radio, every clinking jingle sound, or stocking could easily make me cheerfully murder someone.

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I won’t be home for Christmas.