December

A tough but most wonderful time of the year.

To begin with, December for me, is just like the rest of the year really, but then the crowds begin to flood the stores and there is a slight irritation which grows to anger in some for the needs to get everything they need (and a lot they don’t) for the season. This leads to me only going to the shops if I must. So much can be done online these days and if you do it early enough things can be ready in plenty of time. but there’s always the question of whether I have gotten enough. Then I go out to the stores last minute to see what I might be missing on Christmas Eve and I find that some people are having fun and enjoying themselves. The magic of Christmas is palpable then.

The first year without someone special is always hard. Christmas does magnify that, with either joy or pain. This too shall pass. Sometimes we just need to get through it, sometimes we need to be reminded of how this month, through the years, is worth celebrating for it has its own special traditions and good memories it gives us of times past with loved ones now gone. It also opens up the chance to reflect on what we might have achieved over the years, how we have gone from children loving the magic of Christmas opening those special gifts to grown adults sometimes becoming parents of our own children, seeing Christmas through different eyes and watching our own family age and change.

I work a lot of Christmas time and I am very grateful for it. So by the time I get to enjoy it and be winding down from work its Christmas Day! Because of this I must confess I like to listen to the music and relish all the goodies of the season into the first week of January up to Epiphany! Any reason to stretch it out and avoid the pressure to be starting the new years resolutions. This is also the time I’m eating the leftovers, munching down on all the Christmas foods, cheeses, cakes and chocolates which I found half price in the sales! Change happens and yes it is unavoidable, but I will get to it when I’m ready, no need to pressure me into it. 😊 Time for now to rest and celebrate another year.

If you are working like me or are not, please guard yourself against the pressures of the season. Make sure you rest and enjoy it if you can. If this year is going to be a write off that’s fine too. Look for the Magic. Remember the traditions of the past if they bring you joy, if not make the season what you want it to be.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year. 💖