And then it ended. The holiday season, that is. Goodbye holiday season.
The Jewish calendar is loaded with holidays in September and October. There are four holidays in successive weeks including three that have two straight days where work is forbidden. Sounds awesome – right? It’s like a long weekend every week. Well, it is pretty awesome.
Over this holiday season, I’ve eaten SO MUCH good food. Ms. MMK is a great cook, and the food this year was excellent. Don’t ask me to name favorites. I forget that sort of thing – yes, no Top Chef in me.
There is a lot of family time over the holidays. Those days when you are not concerned with – say it quickly because you have no time – workschoolhomework are to be appreciated. Quality time!
On top of all that, I think I secured my life for a year. Yes, one of the holidays – Yom Kippur – is focused on securing another year. We ask for a year of health, happiness, and prosperity. May it be such a year for my family (and yours)!
And now the holidays are over. The awesomeness has passed. We’re back in the everyday grind. No more worrying about juggling schedules and falling behind at work. This can be comforting – a time to establish routine (such as weekly blog posts). After all, don’t most of us love routine? Time to make the donuts.
For me, the post-holiday period can be difficult. While I also like routine and feel a comfort in establishing one, I can’t help but wonder now what? Who turned off the lights? Hi ho, hi ho – it’s off to work we go. The only thing on the horizon is winter. Cold dark winter. This time of the year can feel empty, depressing.
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Over the past few months, I’ve read a number of self-helpish sort of books. Currently, I’m in the middle of Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. The book was published in 1987, and Jeffers went on to a write a number of similar books. One point that is emphasized in the book is that we all feel fear. The goal is not to necessarily get over fear but to recognize it and not let it paralyze you. She also emphasizes taking responsibility and seeing the good in all experiences.
ADVICE TO SELF (Feel free to use it as it benefits you Mr. and Mrs. Reader): With the end of the warm comforting embrace of the holiday season, it is time to move forward. Take the memories – drop the few pounds – and hold on to them. Let them inspire you. Now, make this time of year special as well. Be patient with the children and enjoy their quirks, laughs, and growth. Be appreciative, respectful, and loving towards Ms. MMK, and recognize the challenges she goes through.
Take the joys and the growth from the holiday season and make it last. Don’t let fear stop you from moving forward. Embrace the routine, and see the positives. Great things lie ahead.
