When we were younger, we wondered what possessed the Grinch to live on top of a mountain with his dog. It's clear that he was a man before his time and that sounds wonderful right about now. They say December is the most wonderful time of the year, but is it though?

You're running around each day until Christmas like a chicken without a head, spending all your money and indulging in the holiday foods. Aside from the fruit cakes that make excellent dodge balls, the food part ain't so bad. Alas, some naive folk may insist that you're a grumpy, grouchy Scrooge and...they may be onto something. But you're shamelessly The Grinch all month and this is how you're getting prepared for Christmas:

1. Remember when you looked like this in December?

Centuries ago! That was when you could gift paper mache and everyone would tell you how cute you are as you accept their gifts and chew on candy canes.

2. Flash forward to now...

Not to mention, the Christmas songs and season begin before Thanksgiving even comes! At this point, who isn't living in a cave with their dog?

3. You just don't have time for the holiday anyway:

Not everyone can stay dedicated to stare at the ceiling and slowly slipping into madness every evening.

4. BUT you do manage to plan/narrow down your gift list.

It's all about having a plan.

5. When you get the mall, it's clear that you're on a mission.

No pedestrians are safe and your elbows may have met a few faces. No regrets.

6. If you thought it was WAY too much social interaction, another human requests your presence.

Don't they know you have to howl at the wind in an hour? So inconsiderate.

7. What's that? A party? Family gathering? Broadway show?

It's just plain rude to cancel again.

8. When they refuse to leave you alone... you have no other choice.

Famous last words.

9. If you're going you must have the perfect outfit.

Because, priorities.

10. After the suspense of deciding...

It's recommended to do a fashion show in front of your mirror for at least an hour before leaving the house.

11. Now that you're fabulous, you make the most of the rare outing.

One might even say it looked like you had fun.

12. You even make small talk with the locals.

You're an excellent conversationalist.

13. Then you face a dilemma.

It's not indigestion either. In the midst of all the festivities, you feel something other than angst. Those fools made your heart grow.

14. You realize it ain't half bad.

I mean...once you get into the groove of it all.

15. The post holiday leaves you with only one question:

Eggnog induced thoughts are always the most insightful.

Happy holidays from one Grinch to another.