Tedium

There was a time when I felt scared during this time of the year. Halloween was okay--- it was even somewhat fun during my late childhood when we went trick or treating. But then on the succeeding days--- All Saint's Day and All Souls Day, my imagination went wild. I would be filled with thoughts of ghosts and ghouls, as if supernatural beings preferred making their presence felt on these two days even if there were 363 other days to choose from.

I used to think Christmas was extra special too. I thought it was magical. Back then I still believed in Santa Clause. I looked forward to the gifts and feasts. I get excited every time we went to theme parks. I looked forward to every single thing we did during this time of year.

I used to excited when my birthday is approaching. For one day of each year, I felt extra special. Who wouldn't be? On that certain day, I would be the center of attention. Parties were thrown in my honor. A lot of guests would arrive, each one giving gifts. Childhood naiveté made me think that no other person was honored on that day---- that date was mine alone. At Christmastime, children all over the world would compete for Santa's attention. On my birthday, I don't have compete with anyone. For one day each year, I felt like a little prince.

Then every day became monotonous. Each day was the same. My eyes were opened.

That was the day I grew up.

I wake up at a certain time. Eat breakfast, take a bath, go to school or work, go home, eat dinner, watch a little TV, then sleep. Then the cycle would repeat itself. Some days, i would do other things to spice up the monotony a bit. Go to the mall, hang out with friends, watch a movie, go on a trip... but on most days, every action seems to be so... mechanical. It's like we're programmed to carry out the same tasks, like drones on some intangible assembly line, waiting for our turn to carry out our functions. Christmas and all those holidays are just like any other day, only with certain activities added to differentiate them a bit from the rest. Even those differences fail to break the tedium, since the same traditions are done every single year. The magic is gone. There's no Santa. There are no monsters hiding in the dark. My birthday is just like any other day only I'm another year older. The day I live out my function only becomes closer.

If I never grew up, I never would have become aware of how monotonous life is. No wonder children can be happy with such trivial things. They can reach levels of bliss that adults can only reminisce about. They can feel happiness that adults can only wish for.

Ignorance is indeed bliss.