Great quote! It makes me feel better about next Christmas, too. I sat this one out. It was my first Christmas far away from home (I moved to Boulder two months ago) and I just treated it like a normal day off and took a long walk in the snow. It was fun this time, but next year I want to be more social. I think that drawing the distinction between traditions and truths will help me participate without compromising my values.

Ben: That was exactly one of the spirits in which I wrote that. I’m happy you understood! And yes, for people like us, sometimes less abstract mulling and more facetime is just what’s needed. :)