I realize that the kids recently went back to school, and the pumpkin spice craze only just started. I love fall and all it has to offer, and I don’t want to rush through apple season, but I have a confession:
I’ve been counting down the days until the Hallmark Channel plays its holiday movies nonstop
I've pinned all the different Christmas cookie recipes I want to try and asked my kids for their gifts lists already.
Yes, I know it’s only the beginning of September and my talk about the holidays can drive some people crazy, but this time of year — from when the leaves start to change until New Year's — is my favorite. I love it more than spring and summer combined, and nothing makes me happier than lighting the fireplace, burning a pine candle, and making bars and cookies. I’m not afraid to say it and I'm definitely not afraid to do what I want in order to bring cheer into my life right now.
I love listening to holiday music, and taking a drive to see the lights soothes my soul. Sitting next to the tree with the lights on makes me think about walking down the stairs on Christmas morning as a child, and no matter how down I am, it always lifts my mood.
This year, I’m looking forward to it more than ever
Last year was proof for me that I could still enjoy this time even though there were no get-togethers and I did most of my shopping online. Staying home and settling in front of the television to watch holiday movies and wrap myself in a blanket feels like a warm, comfortable hug.
Holidays give you a certain feeling — even when things around you aren’t the same
They might not be as fun, cherry, or festive, but it’s familiar and something you can count on to lift your spirits a bit.
The way I look at it, this year we get to enjoy the things that really matter: our families, our home, our health, and cancel out the chaos and say no to things we don’t want to do. Since the pandemic, it seems to me more people realize their mental health needs to be preserved, and saying no or scaling way back is now more accepted.
We have all been through so much, and knowing the holidays are around the corner is something huge to look forward to — and we need it.
So, if you want to start listening to holiday music in October, do it
If you get all your shopping done in September simply because you feel like it, great. If you need to plan a cookie swap now or pin recipes until midnight tonight, do it. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and bring you joy.
And while you're at it, buy yourself an extra gift this year. You deserve it.
