Holidays and Family

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.” ;-)

Comments

  1. The holidays always seem to have bittersweet around their edges, don't they? I do yearn for those socks, though...

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  2. Of 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!

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    1. And I love you right back! I'm sure the furry and feathered critters appreciate the extra treats!

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  3. For 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...

    This 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.

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    1. I think I’d much rather work Christmas than, say, Black Friday!

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  4. I adore Pugs! My Lou is part pug and she's the best, even though she's getting on in years. Those socks rock!

    And the best part of Christmas? Definitely being with family.

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    1. My kiddo wants a pug sooooo badly, but socks were the closest I could get ;-)

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  5. Cute socks! And I've been wanting to read The Lake House because you know...the lake... Great post, Ava!

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