It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's insanely freezing out, like that painful-why-do-I-live-on-the-east-coast bitterness but it's still magical. Maybe I'm getting used to it. Or maybe I am learning to dress properly for the winter. Regardless of the icy chaos, greens and reds have begun to dust the streets. I see sparkling lights and glittery snowflakes and I am reminded how wholesome the holiday season feels. It's the final wrap up of the year and always a time to reflect. The cold weather brings us inside and gives excuses for endless chats by the fire or long dinners over steaming drinks.
The holidays always means family for me. It's traditions and pranks, roasts and toasts and devouring delicious goods. I am always reminded how thankful I am that this is what my holiday means. I know it could be different. I feel so beyond fortunate to have a family that is together through thick and thin. We've been through it all, we've fought and refused to talk to each other, we've thrown fits and mocked each other till it hurts but no matter what has happened, we've stayed together. No one gives up. No one jumps ship. I don't know how my parents did it. How they instilled this union in us all. So natural and no one is forced but we all come together. I sadly have to admit that I am the black sheep sibling this year when it comes to Thanksgiving as I will be on the east coast with my future-in-laws. Of course, this is a wonderful treat and my east coast family is truly dear to my heart. They even let me incorporate some of my west coast family traditions because in the end, well in 286 days, we will all be family.
So let's face the bitter cold, go on a long morning run, eat an extra slice of pie and switch on Home Alone because it's truly the most wonderful, magical time of the year. No matter what coast you spend it on.
