Holiday Season

I feel like when I was younger, time moved slowly.  The two months off from school in the summer felt like five.  Why does that change as you get older?  I feel like I was just planning Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas.  It's insane how fast time is moving...a little depressing and scary too.

I do love this season though.  October through December are my favorite months. I love all the different flavors that Starbucks has. (Yes, I even love the fact that everything is pumpkin flavored!) I don't know why some people get annoyed by it.  Unless you're a person who hates pumpkin flavor of course.  This is the only time of the year that I shell out such a crazy amount of money for a coffee. (C'mon Starbucks...seriously?!)  It's my segue into "holiday mode" and has become a tradition.

Now is the time that I start putting myself on a cleaning schedule as I host Thanksgiving.  It's a big house to clean and there's only one me, so it takes me some time.  I try not to rush through Thanksgiving even though I don't really think we should have made it a holiday.  (Not getting into politics now though.)  I celebrate this time of year because I'm thankful for a lot of things, however, it's also a time for reflection.  I try to remember and honor my ancestors in my own small way.  I'm the only pagan in my family so I go about things a little differently.

Of course all the while planning Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about Christmas.  I try to get my shopping done early but of course that never happens either.  

I know that this year I want to make a conscious effort to have my gift shopping done by the end of November.  I'd like to enjoy the Christmas season instead of stressing out and watching it zoom past me before I had a chance to sit and immerse myself in it. I would also like to have a small Yule ritual, which is something that I've not been able to do since I started down this path. (Over 10 years ago.)

This is also a sad time for me.  I've lost two people who loved this time of the year as much as I do.  I miss our conversations and planning.  Also, a dear friend of mine celebrated his birthday on Christmas Day and he's no longer here either. I always have to make an effort to remain happy and cheerful now that these people are no longer here to celebrate and enjoy.  But this is life.  It goes on and so must we.

So here's to hoping I stay focused and energized!