Well it’s that wonderful time of year…AGAIN. December…so suddenly upon us…festively fueled by the elation-infused Yuletide anticipation of sugar plum faeries trolloping amongst figgy pudding while candy cane carolers chortle carols of glee.  Happy happy, joy joy…feeling oh so festive…NOT.

I know…suck it up snowflake and get in the fricking spirit…but honestly this is not my favourite time of year.  While everyone else seems to be decking the halls, trimming the tree and stringing stockings over the fireplace – I find myself a little maudlin, a little more sentimental, a heck of a lot more exhausted and crushingly more contemplative of the past 340 days.  Trust me… it’s a weight worse than the sack of stolen Whoville Christmas presents on top of mount Crumpet…(cue the Grinch).

It’s a tough month. Not just for people like me who feel overwhelmed by the reflection of the year gone by – my accomplishments, mistakes, lessons and wishes; as well as the countdown to the New Year, pondering what’s to come and how to make it better.  It’s a tough month for those without family, for those feeling alone or lonely and not fitting into the Hallmark card.  It’s tough for people on a budget trying to make ends meet. It’s tough for people who are struggling with their health and loss. It’s tough for those craving cranberry and dressing without a turkey in sight.  It’s a tough month. How’s that for a lump of coal in your stocking?

Well fear not my little elves and elvettes, I’ve decided to shift my snowdrift and not hold the holidays hostage this year…and in true Lowry tradition, celebrate the shit out of this season! Because…I have a choice.

I’m saying yes to Christmas.  Yes to gingerbread boys AND men, holiday markets, Christmas concerts, eggnog, tinsel and Turtles (the chewy caramel ones). I’m moving the New Year to next April.  No reflections or resolutions till then. I’m making merry with as many of my peeps as possible and singing Christmas carols every day of December (don’t you dare shhh me.) I’m wearing reindeer antlers on the bus. I’m making stockings for my kittens because it’s their first Christmas and there’s nothing more hysterical than putting cat nip in the toes of a stocking and hanging it out of reach. I’m investing in an ugly Christmas sweater, Christmas lights and I’m going to be naughty and nice! I’m not counting down to the end of the year…I’m counting my blessing every day of this year. I’m looking forward to what 2017 WILL bring.  I’m going to prance around like a sugar plum faerie on mulled wine spreading JOY and creating peace on earth and goodwill to all eligible men, humans and animals.  And if that isn’t enough…I’m giving myself an awesome sauce present – a trip to Bali!  Not to shabby Santa!

So choose to find your spirit – however small or large; let it out, celebrate it, cherish it and share it – because remember Santa’s watching!

And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say
That the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day!

And then the true meaning of Christmas came through,
And the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!