It’s the most wonderful time of the year? For those celebrating their biggest holidays of the year, it can feel like the most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s the expectation. For others, it can be, well, less.
I like this time of year. I love the joy and warmth and increased good will. I have so many lovely memories of Christmastime. I probably also have just as many stinky ones. Coming back around to it every year makes it almost feel like coming home. No matter how dramatically different this year is from every year past, there’s still an extreme familiarity.
I think that’s why it’s so easy to also be sad around this time of year. It’s like seeing that person. You know, the person you can actually be yourself around. The person you can be comfortable around. No facades required. If you’re happy, you can be happy and if you’re sad, you can be sad. Christmastime is like that. You can bring your whole, crazy, broken, stressed self and Christmastime never abandons you. Christmastime never just doesn’t show up. Every year, without fail, it’s here without judgment. It will provide the perfect soundtrack: happy, sad, or silly. There are parties if you’re feeling spunky or cozy blankets and comfort food if you’re hurting. It’s just there. No matter what. A great friend with great stories.
Again, pondering this time of year brings inspiration for putting words on the page.
Write about the best Christmas (or other holiday). Then write about the worst. Write about the earliest Christmas you can remember.
What was similar?
What was different?
What was familiar?
Sparks 