December used to be very difficult for me. For many years, I fought the transition to the new year, was generally exhausted at the end of the year, and just wanted to hide. I described myself as a 'cranky Jewish kid who felt left out by Christmas.'

In this quote, Brad Feld reflects on the emotional challenges he faced during the month of December, particularly with the transition to the new year. Feld describes how he used to feel exhausted by the end of the year, struggling with the pressures of the holiday season and the looming shift into the next year. His feelings of wanting to "hide" during this time highlight the emotional toll that the season, often filled with holiday celebrations, can take on individuals who may feel disconnected or overwhelmed by it.

Feld's statement also reveals his personal experience of feeling like an outsider during Christmas. As a Jewish person, he describes himself as a "cranky Jewish kid" who felt left out by the Christmas celebrations around him. His reference to feeling "left out" speaks to the cultural divide that many people experience when they do not belong to the dominant religious or cultural group celebrating major holidays, in this case, Christmas.

The origin of the quote comes from Feld's reflection on how he has processed and come to terms with the holidays over the years. His use of the term "cranky" suggests a mix of frustration and discomfort with the expectations and social norms associated with the end-of-year season. His self-description points to the internal conflict he had as he navigated being part of a minority group during a time when the majority’s celebrations dominated the cultural landscape.

In essence, Feld's quote highlights the emotional complexities that can arise during the holiday season for those who feel excluded from mainstream celebrations. It underscores the challenges of feeling both physically and emotionally drained by the end of the year, while also grappling with cultural and religious differences. His reflection is a reminder of how holidays can evoke a mix of nostalgia, discomfort, and even isolation for individuals who do not share in the majority’s celebrations.