In the United States, most people are used to the traditional Christmas, with decorations, a Christmas tree, tons of gifts set beneath the tree, Christmas carols, and a large feast with the whole family gathered around the table.

But this year, increasing numbers of people are taking their holiday traditions on the road.

It was exactly one week after ringing in the New Year when Salve Regina University junior Sharon DeAlmeida found herself sleeping in until 10 in the morning. Later that day, she hung out at the mall and caught a movie with her friends. She had completely forgotten about what she had decided to do for her New Year’s Resolution.

When we return to posting the week of Jan. 21, Mosaic’s editors will begin a travel series detailing just where we have spent our break, and we want to know where you’ve been too.

We have all seen it coming. We see the commercials, the decorations that smother the stores, and all the sales and promises of “buy four get one free” gifts. Let’s face it – the holiday season is here. Whether or not you get goose bumps at the sight of Christmas lights, or cringe and start to feel the anxiety rise and get to your spirit.

Bah! Humbug.

In the past few days, I have heard of women trampled at Walmart in search of $29 DVD players, some guy who beat up a lady in the parking lot because she looked at his wife funny in the check-out line, and once again the ACLU is threatening lawsuits over a few statues on a lawn.

And we call this Christmas. Who needs it?