The very best holiday gift I've ever received was the gift of being alone for Christmas 2004. I had been in a bad relationship for about 14 years, and I had finally gotten up the courage to end it. Although I didn't have a Christmas tree up that year, and I didn't put up any decorations, I felt more at ease that year than I did the entire rest of those 14 long years.

I was by myself, with my dog, and it felt wonderful. We went for long walks, sat around and watched chick flicks, and did nothing. I had to answer to no one, and there was no one for me to have to do something for. At holiday time, that is what I like after all of the parties, gifts, and cooking are over – alone time with only my thoughts.