Better late than never- my thoughts on the holidays

I meant to talk about this BEFORE the holidays, but my schedule got a little hectic so I'm just now getting to it. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fan of the holidays themselves because I'm an atheist, but I do love everything that goes along with it. I love the lights, getting together with friends and family, etc. Part of the human condition is being self-centered, and especially so for those with autism. It's comes from the evolutionary desire for self-preservation. It's natural. But the message around this time of year is to get your head out of your ass and think of others. I hate buying gifts, and would prefer that no one buys me anything, but I know that some of my close friends really do enjoy the act of going out and finding things for people. It was a couple of years ago that I started thinking about them instead of being negative towards the religious based holidays themselves. I still only buy for those I feel I have to, but I realized that I gained more enjoyment from the season by being able to partake in these activities with friends. This Xmas and New Years was the best I've had in a long time, because I was able to relax and just enjoy everyone's company. So thank you to everyone I was able to see, and I'm sorry about those I wasn't able to.