By Michele D. Baker
As we move into December, the great cycle of the year is slowly winding to a close. In a season originally intended for quiet reflection and hibernation, most of us instead choose festive parties, cookie swaps, Dirty Santa, huge sporting events, Christmas concerts, and all-family get-togethers.
I must admit, as an introvert, my natural inclination is towards the hibernation aspects of the winter months. To my mind, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in a cozy sweater with a cup of hot cocoa in front of my fireplace and reading a good book.
I must equally admit that I adore a good Christmas party! It’s the one time of the year when I thoroughly enjoy dressing up and heading to a festive gathering full of Christmas music, fattening foods, and wrapped packages distributed by a neighbor dressed as Santa Claus.
Related: Welcome to our December Edition
This year I have several festive parties already planned. My girlfriends and I are doing an old-fashioned cookie swap (I’m bringing the Molasses Cookies featured in this month’s recipe section), the nearby university has a Singing Christmas Tree, and the whole family is piling in the SUV to drive through three miles of Christmas lights.
I am especially looking forward to the Christmas light display – last year there were The Twelve Days of Christmas, an entire dinosaur section (complete with spewing volcano), Barbie and her Dream House, a flashing tunnel in American flag colors, a nativity scene, and a whole mile of candy canes and giant snowflakes.
However you choose to spend your December, I wish you peaceful nights, happy relatives, and a heart full of good cheer.
Until next month,
