Happy December 1st!!
Hard to believe the last month of the year is already here.
Especially since the days in my neck of the woods have been particularly sunny
and cheerful and even unseasonably warm, which appreciate now that I’m
substitute teaching and often have to cover recess duty.
I’ve subbed in the younger grades these past couple of
weeks, and have really enjoyed reading to the classes from the books the
teachers have assigned. I really get into it, letting my inner actress out, and
the kids giggle at my antics.
I recently read a story about families coming together,
traveling the miles and greeting each other with warmth, hugs, laughter, and
ready acceptance. It choked me up (seriously, I cried and had to ask a kid to
finish the story for me!). The Holidays are a time to celebrate family, and I
have such a tiny, nuclear one. This was partly my choice and partly
circumstances, and I rarely regret my situation. But once in awhile—usually around
a holiday when the Hallmark channel and commercials are filled with large
families who laugh and play and love and always get a happy ending—my heart hurts
for what I no longer have, and I have to remind myself the importance of
quality over quantity.
But enough dour thoughts! The festive, decorative lights are
going up all over the place, which makes the early evening hours so flirty and
fun. It’s a celebration for the eyes, all the twinkling merriment of the season
wherever I go. Celebratory party lights for the most wonderful time of the year.
How can I be glum when surrounded by so much anticipation
and excitement? The giddiness from the kids I sub and my own is a palpable
entity, and infects us all with its positive vibes.
So in the spirit of giving,
I’m giving away a print copy of “The Lake House” multi-author anthology, and a
pair of these super-cute mer-pug crew socks (I’m hearing strains of “Part of
Your World” as I look at that precious pug face). Just comment below what your
favorite part of the holidays are. And I promise not to cry if you say “family.”
;-)
The holidays always seem to have bittersweet around their edges, don't they? I do yearn for those socks, though...
ReplyDeleteThey would look good on you! :-)
DeleteOf course it is family. Separated by miles but holding a big part of our heart. Friends become family and the spirit of sharing and giving extends to even our furry and feathered friends. The bird feeders get extra goodies and the night critters often find corn and treats. The East Coast Hottie loves you very much!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love you right back! I'm sure the furry and feathered critters appreciate the extra treats!
DeleteFor me the best part of Christmas is the promise of magic---of finding the perfect gift, seeing the glint of surprise in someone's eye, the scent of cardamon filling the house when I bake Icelandic Christmas cake...
ReplyDeleteThis year I'll be working Christmas morning--which I volunteered for--but I don't mind, because people are happy on Christmas and grateful that you're there for batteries, cold medicine, or finding that one present that they forgot on their way to a family gathering.
I think I’d much rather work Christmas than, say, Black Friday!
DeleteI adore Pugs! My Lou is part pug and she's the best, even though she's getting on in years. Those socks rock!
ReplyDeleteAnd the best part of Christmas? Definitely being with family.
My kiddo wants a pug sooooo badly, but socks were the closest I could get ;-)
DeleteCute socks! And I've been wanting to read The Lake House because you know...the lake... Great post, Ava!
ReplyDeleteI thought it might be right up your alley!
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