Three years ago, I was spending my second of what would be four Christmases at the large law firm where I worked.
And, when I say I spent four Christmases at work, I mean that literally. In those four years, I didn’t have a single year where Christmas Eve or Christmas Day was not interrupted by the pressing needs of a partner or client.
I’m not complaining, mind you, nor am I an overly religious person. But the holidays, to me, have always been a time to spend enjoyable hours with family and friends, talking about the year behind you, the year ahead of you, and how you were the cutest kid ever (thanks, Mom).
So, you can imagine, as I sat there three years ago, the thought of spending a second straight year doing work on Christmas did not exactly appeal to me. I have nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for those who have to do it every year.
While my wife and family gathered at a grandparents’ house for food, drink, and cookies (mostly cookies), I was culling minutiae for an emergency document review. (Only later would I learn that the review was so urgent that the folks up the chain would almost immediately look over my work … in mid-January.) I’m not too proud to admit that was a bad day.
Five days later, I started Bleacher Nation. Looking back, I guess it probably wasn’t a coincidence.
Indeed, the holidays are a time to spend enjoyable hours with family and friends, and I’m thankful that my new job allows me spend time with friends (i.e., you) every day of the year. That sounds cheesy, I know. But it’s Christmas. I can be cheesy.
All that said, you can expect limited posting from now through Tuesday. There will *probably* be a scattered post here and there, and obviously, if news or a hot rumor breaks, I’ll set down my eggnog and cover it. (I’ve actually never had eggnog. It sounds gross.) I reckon I’ll still be around in the comments, on the Message Board, on Twitter and on Facebook, because, well, I can’t help myself. But the epic tome on Manny Corpas as the primary seventh-inning pitcher will have to wait.
To you and yours, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.