Happy first day of December! The last month of 2020 is finally here. I’m thrilled, but I also can’t believe it. This year has moved as slowly as molasses, but now that we are nearing the New Year, I also can’t believe that 2020 will soon be over. While I won’t be heading out to bars, visiting lots of Christmas parties, hosting a white elephant gift exchange, or spending time with extended family, I do plan on bringing extra holiday cheer this year.
I’ve always enjoyed the holidays, but this year I am leaning in hard. The decorations were up early, Christmas music has been on repeat, and I’m already eyeing my Christmas sweaters. I think it’s my answer to the monotony and gloom of this past year. It’s like the Grinch stole 2020, but there’s no way he’s getting this Christmas. We’ll be home more, but I plan on putting that time to good use and watching lots of cheesy holiday movies. I’m going to visit outdoor holiday markets, leave my Secret Santa gift for a friend (very covid-friendly since there’s no contact at all), and send out my Christmas cards to family and friends that I’m missing immensely.
This year has taken so much away already, and I refuse to let it take away the magic of this time of year. I’m doubling down, and what joyful things we can do, I’m doing. This month, I’m going to drive around town to see the holiday lights, drink spiked hot chocolate and cider, and appreciate all of the holiday decor in my neighborhood. I’m also letting go of things that used to bother me. Those giant inflatable Santas that I used to think were tacky? I’m on board now. Fake snow at the mall in Santa Barbara? Can’t wait. Drinking super thick and sugary eggnog? I’m buying it this year. If there was ever a time to be merry and bright, it’s now.
We’ve spent many months feeling anxious, sad, and depressed. Give yourself permission to feel joyful. Make a mess of your kitchen counters decorating cookies, dance around your living room in sock-feet, and spend that money to bring home the biggest tree you can. Fill your cup with the merriment of the season. So make that wreathe (even if no one will see it), decorate that gingerbread house, cut out paper snowflakes, and do whatever gets you in that holiday mood. Be unapologetically joyful and spread that holiday cheer – who doesn’t need an extra dose this year?
Yes, 2020 has been a Grinch of a year, but if we can take away anything from the Whos, it’s that this time of year can never be ruined. Here’s to finding delight in the simple things this month like a fuzzy blanket, twinkling lights, and the smell of baking cookies. Welcome, December, we’ve been waiting for you. The days may be shorter and the nights may be cooler, but I think we all will be warmed by the merriment that December always brings.
