October through December annoy the crap out of me because these are ridiculously busy months–not just in terms of business that needs to get done–in addition to getting our books out, the conventions, the signings, and other regular events, there are also “holidays.” And again, I’m not just talking about the obvious things, like Thanksgiving or Halloween, but also Columbus Day… if the banks and post office are closed, I can’t get work done. In addition, there are all the personal distractions from friends and business acquaintances, all of whom would like you to attend their events… which are usually all bunched up on the same days for some reason. I know it’s crazy to try to please everybody, but I do want to try and do things with people. Aside from the friendship factor, it’s just right to try to support others who try to support me.
It’s too much obligation.
This is why I invented a holiday called “Zuul” some years ago. It replaces all the major gift-giving holidays in my year with one that I can invoke any time I can actually afford gift-giving. I explained this to all my friends, and they understand that they don’t have to feel obligated to get me anything, or vice versa, but if something should make them think of me, and they can afford it, it’s up to them (and vice versa). I’ve had Zuul come multiple times a year–sometimes with giveaways of soft toys, others, self-made art… It’s all a question of inspiration and what I can afford.
Give because you want to, and just be a litttle bit more friendly and charitable each day. It’s WAY easier than trying to save up all your friendship and brotherhood and expressing it all at once. The retail sector may not like it in the short term, but if everyone did this, then they’d see increased business year-round instead of depending on one huge spike at the end of the year. It would save them on their workload and general stress as well… and that’s always good, too.