on Wed Dec 25 2024
Ah, December! The month when we bundle up in our coziest sweaters, sip hot coffee, and pretend that we’re not just one holiday mishap away from a full-on panic attack. While the streets twinkle with lights and the air is thick with the scent of pine, it’s also a time when many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year — and let’s be honest, sometimes regrettably so.
“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” Isn’t that a lovely thought? Like a bouquet of delightful memories, our minds can serve as lush gardens, reminding us of sweet moments — even in the coldest months. But let’s face it: not all memories are roses. Some are more like the thorns you get when you forget to check for those pesky prickly things before you dive into the metaphorical flowerbed.
Picture this: It’s a frosty evening in December, and you’re curled up on the couch with a blanket and a cup of something warm. You start reminiscing about that time you tried to host a holiday dinner for your extended family. Ah yes, good ol’ Uncle Bob who thought it was acceptable to bring his pet iguana instead of a side dish. Or the year the tree fell over, taking half the ornaments with it like a drunken ballerina. These are the memories that make us laugh, groan, and alternatively either celebrate the progress we’ve made or hide under those same cozy blankets forever.
Memory is a curious thing, isn’t it? It has the power to resurrect moments of joy and mishaps alike. When we think back to past holidays, we can recall the laughter shared, the games played, and the awkward family traditions that have now turned into comforting rituals. There’s something intoxicating about revisiting these moments; it’s like fluffy marshmallows floating in your hot chocolate – sweet, nostalgic, and occasionally leads to a sticky situation.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Memory isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. It can sometimes feel like a hefty burden, dragging along the regrets, misfortunes, and those cringe-worthy moments we’d rather forget. But it’s that very contrast that adds flavor to our lives, like a dash of cinnamon in your eggnog. Without the bittersweet notes, we wouldn’t be able to fully savor the sweet ones.
And here’s the kicker: As we look back, we’re not just reminiscing; we’re learning. Each memory, thorny or beautiful, shapes who we are. They mold our perspectives, teach us resilience, and, let’s be honest, they also provide the best ‘remember when’ moments to share with friends over drinks. Excuse me while I flag down the waiter for another round of whatever helps with the holiday nostalgia-induced existential crisis.
So as you navigate the bustling holiday season, amid the chaos of last-minute shopping and awkward family gatherings, remember this: your memory is a powerful tool. Each moment you collect is a rose to cherish. Whether it’s the sweet scent of traditional sugar cookies baked with love or the all-too-familiar taste of humble pie after misplacing Aunt Edna’s secret casserole recipe, these memories are the fabric of our lives.
In this December, let’s focus on gathering those roses, thorns and all, and revel in the delightful unpredictability of our experiences. After all, finding laughter amidst the chaos is what makes the holiday season truly special. Here’s to memories, to roses, and to the glorious mess of life we can always look back on, keeping our hearts warm in the coldest months!