A blur of turkey, shopping, wrapping paper, and champagne.

On sleepless nights, it feels like I do a lot of additional thinking; tonight (well this morning technically) is one of those. I am hoping that by the time I get all of this typed and ready to go that maybe I will get a few more hours sleep before having to begin a really long day in a few hours; I really think planning a nap might be in order! Here are my random ramblings in no particular order... 

I love the holidays (as my past posts suggest), but as we are approaching the holidays, retail stores need to be reminded that there is an order to said holidays. First comes Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and then Christmas... Why I have to have Christmas shoved down my throat starting at the end of September is beyond me and Christmas carols playing before Santa arrives at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade should be illegal. 

Go for a long term change of scenery. It is great that you were born and grew up in the same vicinity, that you went to college within driving distance of home, and that your family has always supported you doing the same things repeatedly; but honestly spread your wings. There is never going to be a perfect time and once you lock yourself in, you commit to doing the same things over and over again. How can you speak to the changes of the world or the changes in your community if you do not know anything beyond your own limited knowledge of location and time? Make changes happen... Travel, throw a dart at a map and move to the closest city, spend some time without the comforts of technology that we rely on, move away from family, move closer to family, move into the middle of nowhere and get to know the sounds of the crickets and bullfrogs, move where it snows and the meaning of fall is new for you, move to the beach where the sea breeze brings the smell of salt and fish; it really doesn't matter, just try it. 

Remember that as the holidays approach to focus in on what really matters. It isn't about that brand new toy for your child, it's about teaching them to give back. It isn't about who received the most expensive gift, it is about the memories you made. It isn't about the crazy lines in the store, it's about continuing traditions. It isn't about buying your wife that new shiny (insert jewelry piece here) she really doesn't need it to sit and collect dust, it's about spending time hand in hand sharing love, laughter, and meaningful hugs. It isn't about who wins the ball game, it's about cheering on your team and knowing that the outcome has no actual bearing on your life. It isn't about cooking the most elegant feast, it is about making a place that is comfortable where you pass the hours chatting and laughing. It isn't about your house being perfectly decorated, it is about sharing you heart and home with those closest to you. It isn't about making sure that you make everything on your schedule, it is about knowing when you have to give in and where to be flexible. It isn't about buying everything on the list, it is about learning that the commercialization of the holidays doesn't reflect what's in your heart. It isn't about following all of your plans to a "T", it is about being faithful to your families traditions but making them your own and even making new ones. It isn't about being busy every minute from the time Halloween ends until you are ringing in the New Year, it is about finding calm in the chaos and enjoying as many moments as you possibly can - these will only happen once and if you allow them to fly by, you will remember only a blur of turkey, shopping, wrapping paper, and champagne. 

Crimson and sunshine

Crisp clean air, hues of crimson and sunshine, and the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air with visions of hot chocolate and snow dancing through my head - these are the things that remind me that Autumn has arrived. I adore Autumn in part because it is ushering in (what I hope to be) a white winter wonderland.

This time of year always reminds me of my grandmother who religiously decorated for the holidays and ensured that we attended mass every Saturday night much to the chagrin of me and my brother. It reminds me of all of the things that I treasure; a sense of family, a love of the holidays, my wedding anniversary, birthdays of many the most important people in my life, and being able to continue finding joy in Christmas lights and carols. 

A lot of people talk about the pain that the holidays bring once they have lost someone, and to a small extent I understand, but the other large part of me just gets confused. This time of year is the time to cherish and remember those that are no longer physically present in your life not to mourn. My grandmother was a huge proponent of every holiday (I am pretty sure she had decorations for all of them right down to St. Patrick's), and even when there wasn't money involved we had a love of them all. I think of her often as the holidays approach and remember that she is the reason that I have the an adoration for window shopping, checking out the beautiful holiday window displays, and the yearning to share that spirit with everyone around me. I will forever wish you a Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas and strive to send out those cards every year, I will strive to be awake to watch Santa arrive on Thanksgiving Day, I will forever sing ridiculous Christmas carols (as soon as Thanksgiving is in the wings) in the car and most likely in my house, and I will continue to enjoy Christmas movies every year (Except White Christmas - Sorry mom!). Most importantly, I will continue to build memories with  my family which has been the greatest tradition we have ever started.

I hope that as my husband and I pursue having children that I will keep these traditions alive and proudly honor each of our families. There is so much love surrounding this stretch of the year, and I want to strive to live in the positive, for the moment, and within each moment; I do not wish to dwell in the area that so many struggle with.
Here's to enjoying the upcoming moments as Halloween gives way to barren trees and Thanksgiving, and the turkey moves over so that Santa may arrive at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade to usher in Christmas. Find joy in the positives and wash away the negatives; keep those that you have lost close to your heart where they will forever dwell and let them warm your heart at the exact moment you feel the darkness creeping in.