This post is going to somewhat piggyback off of Abbie’s most recent post. My life has been fairly hectic recently as I’m sure many of yours have been as well. Between finishing my first semester of graduate school, to coming home from school for our break, to shopping for Christmas, decorating the house, and constantly going to a social gathering-it’s been crazy, hectic, and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for anything else in the world. (Needless to say, all this craziness has caused me to neglect my dame duties!)
As Abbie mentioned, this time period is extremely intense and can cause a number of meltdowns (don’t worry-we’ve all been there). Despite the fact that there are so many happy and exciting events going on, it’s easy to get caught up in all the craziness and forget to appreciate and experience the meaning of these gatherings. We can get so stressed out about having everything a certain way that we overlook actually being in the moment and we forget to live and experience things as they happen.
Although I don’t always like predictability, I can always count on and look forward to a number of events during the holiday season. If one of these events didn’t happen, I’d feel like the season were incomplete. For example, for about the past 8 years or so, many of my friends have gone caroling around a neighborhood to continue spreading holiday cheer. Despite the below freezing temperatures, mounds of snow, sheets of ice, and disgusting slush, this tradition has continued despite transitions from high school to college, college to grad school or a big-person job, and various other significant life experiences. Although this experience might seem silly to some, it’s one that I look forward to each and every year.
I can also always count on our New Years Eve celebration. For the past 9 years, my family has had a New Years Eve celebration at our home. It started out small with four of my brother’s friends and their families watching fireworks somewhere around town, followed by a party at our house. Despite many changes within the makeup of the party, this celebration has continued throughout the years. Although preparing for the event is a lot of work (cleaning/baking/cooking/eating!), it’s one of my favorite nights of the entire year and certainly one of my favorite experiences during the holiday season!
Without fail, my friends always manage to have some extremely wonderful gatherings despite the fact that everyone is so busy. Although there is sometimes drama involved (what else would you expect?), I can’t imagine not doing something ridiculously fun with them over the holidays. Whether it be reliving our high school days, line dancing in the living room, or making up new words for The Twelve Days of Christmas, I always know I’m going to have a good time =)
So, what do you most look forward to during the holidays?
Dames Who Dish 