We are getting to that time of year. The time of year that flies by the fastest. First it’s Halloween. Then Thanksgiving. Then Christmas. Then, what?!?!? 2023 already?!?!
Have you noticed how retail brings Thanksgiving decor out with all the Halloween stuff and then it all disappears right after Halloween has passed? I went to get some Thanksgiving decor last weekend and it was full-blown Christmas EVERYWHERE. And Thanksgiving items were on clearance! Two weeks out! Ay yay yay. R.I.P Thanksgiving.
All that is to say that this time of year goes by in the blink of the eye. And it’s the time of year a lot of us cherish the most. The coziness of the colder season settling in. Friends and families coming together to gather in celebration. Reflections on yet another year. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all.
So it’s a good idea to take time to slow down and breathe every now and again. Just stop. Take a moment. Regroup. Remember what is important. Remember what is important to YOU.
I’m currently staying home with my son, but I remember this holiday season all too well as a music teacher. All the concerts. All the preparation and rehearsals. Learning holiday music in SEPTEMBER. The stress of putting on performances and hoping it all magically works out. Especially when students are checked out and ready for Winter Break. (Wishing you all well, fellow teachers! May the force be with you.)
So no matter what is going on in your life and what your holiday season looks like, remember to take time for you. And take pause. Enjoy those small moments. Enjoy those quiet moments. Because it all goes by way too quickly.
Oh, and eat the food. Enjoy the wine. Laugh with family and friends. Do the things. And remember to pause.
“And I pause for awhile.”
~Pink Floyd (from San Tropez)