Part 2/11:
As Christmas Eve approaches, the speaker shares a rare moment of introspection. The holidays, typically associated with joy and celebration, often evoke feelings of reflection and even nihilism, especially for those who find themselves far from the idealized picture of happiness. They acknowledge that societal expectations push us to fake joy, which can be especially challenging without children or close family. This year marks their second Christmas alone, and they describe a struggle with whether or not to celebrate, ultimately deciding to decorate out of personal choice rather than obligation.