A lot of things, once they become “life hacks” or “routines,” create a reflex-aversion in me. Gratitude, for example, became “a thing” — and immediately started shouting fake and pretentious. What’s wrong with gratitude in itself? Nothing! Amazing if you can feel it. But “cultivating gratitude” looks forced. There were things that haven’t been mainstream, like meditation. Maybe it was mainstream, but I found my own way to it, in a society that knew nothing about it, all on my own, when I was fourteen. I uncovered zen, and appropriated it, started breathing and living it, learning to weave it inside my all-too-western lifestyle. Now, meditation propaganda is everywhere, not as a way to experience the world, but more like a pill to achieve better results. Nootropes for the soul. Yuck

I realize that’s nothing but the ego speaking. Like someone who finds pleasure in listening to obscure music — and as soon as something becomes mainstream, they stop asking themselves if they like the music itself, it’s time to switch to something else. Using others as a reference point — the most common of habits.

The fight of niche vs mainstream is pointless, and it’s becoming less and less important. Subcultures are so numerous that it’s already hard to tell what is a chunk of mainstream and what isn’t, and whether something “niche” is necessarily cool.

Looking at what makes you click is the only measure. What you like.

I used to scoff at Christmas and New Year’s. First, it’s a marketing event. Second, it’s all for one night, maybe two, when people eat and drink (often too much) and open presents. Meh. Today, I have to admit, I like it. The festive season. The lights. Christmas markets, all of it.

Reasons? I have plenty.

One. I stopped thinking about it as one night, and experience it as a season. Two, Europe, where cities and homes actually look festive. Three, family with a small child. For children, it’s joy and surprises. Next, I really like the idea of making the cold and gloomy season less gloomy. We need celebrations in the cold and dark times. This time, homes become more important. I really enjoy baking cookies with the kid. I look forward to making a festive dinner. Hell, I even bought a sequin dress, knowing all too well that I’m probably going to wear it once or twice. But I’ve never had one before, and I really, really want a celebration. Joy and decorations and candlelight and smell of baking and delicious food and mixing some music and some drinks in the confinement of my home.

Stereotypical? Stale? So what? I’ll take it.