I am not trying to jinx anything, or cause undue weather changes. But thus far, it’s been a mild season. Winter doesn’t officially hit us for a few days, the Winter Solstice I believe. I love this milder stuff, I don’t need a “White Christmas” to feel the magic of the season. But, when there is a bunch of snow and cold, it does help trigger a sense of urgency that the holiday is approaching.
I am not ready for Christmas. I rarely am. I was talking to one of my co-workers a few days back about the shopping and stuff. She is all done, just has to wrap a thing or two. She has all the candy and cookies done, and just needs the days to arrive. I about gave her a stroke when I said I haven’t even started yet. I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t with the Christmas shopping and stuff this year. It’s worse than normal! I will get there, but she was kind of horrified that I just laughed it off. In all fairness, she has a billion people to buy stuff for, and she is truly her “head of household.” If she doesn’t do it, it ain’t getting done. She needs the head start, and I certainly don’t mean to scare her with my lack of urgency.
What was I talking about? Easily sidetracked this morning, apparently. So lack of winter. Not a problem, really, for me. In fact it has been kind of a blessing. It hasn’t been all that cold, thankfully, so I can keep the extended dog walks going with the Zelda. I haven’t had to dig out my “big coat” (all midwestern people have coat categories, the Big Coat is serious business.) I have flexed my dominance over December several times by not wearing socks, or even a coat at all. My poor mother would roll it right over in her grave, but we cremated her, so that isn’t a thing. I tell people I am acclimating for the impending cold so it won’t seem so bad when it gets here, but I am truly just showing off. Anyone who knows me, knows that.
I do feel a little teeny bit bad for the people that love the snow stuff. Or the ice fishing people. There is a lot of money to be made in those industries, and I don’t want to begrudge them the opportunities, but it sure is nice not shoveling. I am not an idiot, I know it will come along eventually, but I just want to enjoy the milder weather while it will hang around. Not to be an ass, but if it held off until January or so, I wouldn’t be mad, bro.
Speaking of the Solstice, I sure am looking forward to seeing the extra seconds and minutes of daylight that will start accumulating soon. I see the sunrise, and daylight, and then the sunset each day, thanks to my ridiculous gym habits and the window I get to sit by at work. I can tell you the sunny days are so much cooler than the grey days, but the lack of quantity of daylight it wearing us down already. Start tacking on a few minutes each day and I hopefully will want to stay up past 6:30 pm so I can get my stupid Christmas shopping done.
As we get ready for the holidays, new year and stuff that follows, I wish everyone some peace and harmony. It sure seems the world can use some. A lot of people go through a lot this time of year, all year really, but the season of merriment isn’t always a season of merriment. If you are missing someone, I hope you find comfort. If you are feeling lonely, I hope you find companionship. If you are feeling money stresses, I hope you find $20 in your big coat when you have to dig it out. The holidays can be a wild time, in a good way or bad, there is a way through all of it, and I hope you have the joy of the season, and the peace of a relaxed and happy soul. And if it does snow, may it be full of wonderment for you, and easy to shovel for me.
Thank you for reading along on my random thoughts. I do this for myself a lot, but if someone else enjoys it, or gets something out of it, that makes me smile too. Happiest of Holidays, Merry Christmas for those that insist that is the only way to greet people, and get through the season no matter what holidays you love and enjoy or hate and tolerate.
Coco's Veiw of the World 