december joy

I am finally feeling December. Usually, November helps me out a little bit more, one week unfolding into the next and building up joy and anticipation so that December can arrive with a flourish. But November was not my favorite this year. I gave the best I could to my NaNoWriMo project but in the end the best I could give to myself was to let go and accept that I could not make my goal. I am proud of myself for trying (and proud of all of you who tried, too! Did you make it??), and I am proud of myself for being able to let go. Some of our friends wisely use the term "seasons" to describe the months and years of their lives and relationships, and I am learning to apply this term to myself and my writing, as well. This season was not for finishing, but for learning to be gentle and accept that what might be best in one season is not necessarily what is best in the next.

But now it is December, and though I have been tempted to wallow in that leftover sense of defeat from November, I do not want to miss any more hours or days or weeks! I want to be here, now. What do you love about December?? I love the consistency of the holiday season, the decorations of red and gold and green which can be counted on to grace the fronts of buildings and shop windows everywhere you look. I love the traditions passed down from year to year, from activities to projects to the quest for perfect gifts. I love the sparkle of holiday lights that migrates down each block, beginning with one house and then spreading to another and another. 

Last week, I set out on a mission of a different sort: to soak up the holiday season for a couple of hours and help my brain transition into this lovely month. I want to be present for this season, to absorb and experience all of the days that are left in this year. My camera helps me see more, pay more attention to the world around me, slow down as I move from place to place and notice more of what I pass on my way.

These tiniest of moments, like this little spot on the tree - full of red berries and glittery gold and even a pink flower! - are what make the season bright for me.

And that moment when the lights blink on, as dusk settles over the bustling town. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is when the streets go from mostly-normal to completely-extraordinary, all in a single second.

And the little bits of cheer just keep on going, everywhere you look, and they are my reminder (if I will listen!) to slow down, pay attention, and let the hours count.
What are your December joys?? I would love to hear about them, and I promise to keep sharing the joys I discover myself throughout this month, too! xo