"That's a wrap!" And no, I'm not talking about the pathetic self-wrapping job you did on that regifted present. I'm talking about Christmas. Gone as quickly as it came. The tree is brown, the carols are dated, and return lines are spilling out onto the streets (I mean, who really wants a neon green and aqua-colored Windbreaker jumpsuit? Not me). So now what? I guess it's time to take down the nativity scenes with the white baby Jesus and get ready for the New Year.

Being at home for Christmas (you can see my documented trip on my tumblr blog ) gave me a chance to refocus and get ready for the New Year. It was great seeing everybody and spending time with my family. Although I am living in a completely different world than Knoxville (or even the South for that matter), it's nice to come home and know that the love that has always been there has not changed. If anything, the love and bond that I share with my family has gotten even stronger. Even when we don't see eye to eye on things, we are able to listen to each other and try to understand what the other is saying. I think that that's a lesson that both of the worlds I've lived in (South and North) can heed.

I'm not gonna lie, living in the city puts a lot of pressure on New Years Eve. There are a million parties to go to, not to mention the ball drop in Times Square (which, by the way, is a nightmare, because to get a good spot you have to get there at like 8 a.m. and watch drunk people wee on the floor and the people around them). I'm serious, folks, people will relieve themselves wherever they're standing because there is nowhere else to go. Sounds real fun. Standing in other people's urine. If I wanted that, I would just go to the Tennessee Valley Fair . Oh, and forget about going to a restaurant. Every one either has a cover or a $150 prix fixe price (and that's cheap). It's ridiculous! I think I'll just go to a friend's house, cook some steaks, and celebrate New Years in the comfort of my own home. And by my own home, I mean my friend's home, so I can mooch his food. 'Tis the season.

So whatever you decide to do, my advice is this: Don't wee on the ones you love, and don't buy your nephews neon green and aqua Windbreaker jumpsuits. They will never like them. Also, listen to what others have to say. Jews, Christians, Wiccans, pagans, and scientologists alike. You don't have to live your life by what they are saying, but if you expect to be heard, listen to them so you can try to understand where they are coming from. And if you really want to argue that badly, participate in a CageMatch , where Jewish improvisors compete against Christian improvisors in two 30-minute sets. I performed in this show last night at the UCB , and the Christians won by a vote of 72-60. See, Christ is the answer. Although, he was Jewish, so technically he was on both teams. There he goes again, revolutionizing stuff. Too bad he hasn't revolutionized the nativity scene industries that make him Caucasian; that's a whole other battle. Happy New Year!