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.