Let the Holidays Commence

Welcome to the first day of autumn! This is, by far, my favorite time of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I like spring and summer just fine, but there’s just something about the holidays that puts a warm feeling right in that big old breadbox of mine.

And it all starts with the pumpkin lattes.

Yup, no matter where you buy them from, they are the first to arrive in my mind. There isn’t a “fall” until those hit the coffee houses. Soon as I see that up on the board, I can feel the excitement welling up inside like a three-year-old at a carnival.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Every year I go with my son to the Halloween shop to see the newest costumes and decorations, to see what to add to our collection. If I have time, I make my costume. I was Capt. Jack Sparrow the first Halloween after The Pirates of the Caribbean came out. I’m still deciding what my costume is this year, but I’ll make sure to add pictures.

I can already imagine the smell of the turkey coming out of the oven for Thanksgiving, decorating the Christmas tree, and the excitement of watching the ball come down at New Years.

It’s funny, but I seem to be getting more excited about the holiday season than I used to be. Sure when I was a kid October was the start of school free days and presents and dressing up in costumes, but as I got older it faded a bit. Then my son was born and the excitement came back, but more through his eyes.

But in the last few years a new kind of joy and wonder has come to me with the sweet wafting scent of the pumpkin lattes. I don’t know if I appreciate it more, or what, but all the little things about the holiday season just makes me all excited. It makes me feel… young.

So for the next few months, I’d like you to look past the commercialism. Look past the things that make people roll their eyes and mutter like that grouchy old guy down the street who yells at all the neighborhood kids. Look at the holidays for what they are: a chance to experience the end of the year with your family. Dress up as a zombie. Laugh over the turkey dinner. Pop in that Christmas CD as you’re driving to work. Cheer as the ball comes down.

And most of all, lift that pumpkin latte in a salute to the wonder of the holidays!

Brian

p.s. What are your holiday traditions? We’d love to see pictures.