Ordinarily this past weekend would have kicked off what is close to our busiest time of the year, rivalled only by May and June and their host of spring sports, exams, school concerts and field trips.
At our house - like many others, I'm sure - we hit the ground running at the end of November and don't really slow down until around Dec. 27. There are Christmas concerts (and typically for me, this means attending three or four community concerts for the Wheel that don't feature my own children); there are band performances and theatre performances; there are holiday parties and gift exchanges, community events, dinners, wind-downs for extracurriculars ahead of the holidays.
This year the calendar is strikingly vacant.
To be honest, I don't think I mind. We decorated our house up last week and have been enjoying the warmth of the lights and decor, the kitchen has been a frenzy of Christmas activity but our freezer is filled with everyone's favourite annual treats, and with nothing of note that "needs" to be done for the next four weeks, I will take my time finding gifts around town, watching Christmas movies with the kiddos, and genuinely appreciate the peace of this season with my family.
The hustle and bustle of our traditional season may not be part of the magic this year, but I intend to breathe in this slow pace and enjoy the quiet of an odd December, make memories at home, and keep family traditions alive as much as possible - like making gingerbread houses, driving around to look at Christmas light displays, drinking hot chocolate and eating good food.
There isn't a crazy Christmas season ahead, but that's okay. Maybe it's time for a few Silent Nights, gratitude, and a reminder not to take anything for granted.
