It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like ...

... December. And it snuck up on me. It snowed today (but didn't stick) which is what reminded me. Normally I have Christmas songs playing in October and I have to force myself not to watch any Christmas movies yet. But not this year. I got completely surprised by the snow. And then I got a Christmas themed forward asking about your habits and preferences in the holiday season.

Living on my own, I don't really have any habits. I did set up the tree the first Christmas I lived at the Merlin and the second as well, I believe, but I didn't in 2007 because I went to America for the holidays. I won't be setting it up this year, either. Not because I am away travelling but because I simply don't have any room for it. I have packed my little apartment to bursting and I quite like it that way. I may buy some tinsel and decorate some random items (picture frames, lamps, a cat or two - I promise to take pictures) but I cannot see myself waging war on the twinkle lights again this year. Speaking of which, I have never actually seen them twinkle in all of their existence.

So this year I forgo the sparkly cat poo and/or puke (they won't eat expensive cat food but they'll eat tinsel??). I pass on the tree and putting presents under it. I heartily put my nose up to an afternoon/early evening spent sweating over the assembly of a plastic tree and I won't get mad at the cats for getting in the [insert expletive of choice here] way.

But I am no Scrooge. Oh no! I am looking forward to cozy nights in, cuddled up on the couch with a quilt and a pair of affectionate cats lying close an vying for cuddles. A warm cup of tea or hot chocolate within arms reach, Bing Crosby crooning a familiar tune either on the stereo or on the TV in my umpteenth viewing of White Christmas.

I am looking forward to Christmas dinner with my family, eating turkey, roast potatoes and all the trimmings. Bella eating everything she can beg borrow or steal and Caitlin suspiciously eyeing everything that doesn' t look like chicken as though it may bite her or worse, she may like it. Sitting around the table, laughing, enjoying good food and being merry.

I am also looking forward to the more open affection that comes with this time of year. People more ready to hug, smile and let things that aren't really important go. That warm, rosy glow that people get that is beautifully contagious.

And then ringing in the New Year. Surrounded by friends and more laughter. Vowing to better ourselves in the coming year and fully believing our resolutions in that moment of celebration. I haven't made a resolution in half a decade, I believe, but I may be tempted to this year.

I dislike the cold but I *do* like December. Bleak as this dead and chilly time of the year is, this final gasp of the year, I find it the month with the most hope. It's the month where my spirit is warmest even though most of the time I can't feel my toes.

So good cheer to all and get the most out of this last month of the year! I am thinking of you and holding you close in my toasty heart. <3