December can be a magical month. So rather that post about retirement I will take the month to change formats and talk about how we remember December tI hope to post about the Scents, Sounds, and joys of the Season. I hope that my posts celebrate the simple joys that bring warmth to winter’s heart.
There’s a certain whisper in the air as the calendar turns to its final page, isn’t there? The world outside may be growing cooler and the nights longer, but December arrives with a promise, a promise of light in the darkness, warmth in the chill, and a gentle, persistent magic that asks only that we open our hearts to it.
For many of us, the holidays can feel different than they did in years
past. The frantic pace, the long shopping lists, the pressure to create a
"perfect" day. it can overshadow the simple joy. But this year, let’s
make a pact. Let’s gently sweep away the stress and recapture the true
enchantment of the season. The magic isn't found in a perfectly wrapped
present; it’s tucked into the quiet moments, the familiar scents, and the love
we share.
So, how do we find it? We begin by engaging our senses, the very
gateways to memory and joy.
Close your eyes for a moment. What does December smell like to you?
Perhaps it’s the sharp, sweet scent of a fresh-cut pine tree filling the
living room. Maybe it’s the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and cloves
simmering on the stovetop. Or it could be the buttery richness of shortbread
cookies, baked from a recipe passed down through generations.
These scents are more than just pleasant; they are time machines. They
have the power to transport us back to childhood Christmases, to the bustling
kitchens of our mothers and grandmothers, to moments of pure, uncomplicated
happiness. This December, lean into those scents. Bake those cookies, even if
it's just one small batch. Light a cinnamon-scented candle. Let the fragrance
of the season be your constant, comforting companion.
The soundtrack of December is a symphony of joy. It’s the familiar,
beloved carols that we know by heart, the ones we can sing even if our voices
are a little quieter now. It’s the rustle of wrapping paper, the clink of
glasses raised in a toast, and the cherished, perhaps slightly scratchy,
recording of a favorite holiday special playing in the background.
But the most beautiful sound? It’s the sound of connection. It’s the
laughter shared over a cup of tea with an old friend. It’s the voice of a
faraway loved one on the phone, hearing the smile in their words. It’s the
simple, wonderful sound of a story being told. Make time for these sounds. Put
on that music, call that friend, share those stories. Your laughter is a light
that the world needs.
The holidays, at their core, are about love. And love is a verb; it’s
something we do. The magic of this season multiplies when we give
it away.
Your love doesn’t need to be a grand, extravagant gesture. Its power is
in its sincerity.
- It’s
in the warmth of a handwritten card, a tangible piece of you sent through
the mail.
- It’s
in the offering to share a simple meal with a neighbor who might be
feeling lonely.
- It’s
in the patience of listening to a child’s excited, rambling story.
- It’s
in the soft glow of a candle lit in the window, a silent welcome to all
who pass by.
These acts of kindness create ripples. They connect us, reminding us
that we are part of a community, a family, a shared human experience. In giving
love, we often find we receive it tenfold.
This December, let’s be intentional. Let’s move a little slower, breathe
a little deeper, and hold onto the moments that truly matter. Let the twinkling
lights remind you of the stars, constant and beautiful. Let the laughter of
loved ones be your favorite carol. Let the love you give and receive be the
greatest gift under any tree.
The magic is here, waiting patiently in the quiet of a snowy morning,
the warmth of a shared memory, and the gentle rhythm of a grateful heart. Let’s
welcome it together.
Welcome, December. Let’s make it magical.
