The best time of the year: November & December

Previously, I have detailed what I abhor the summer season and yet, for reasons unconvincing to me, scores of people love that time of year. Additionally, there are A LOT of people who’s favorite holiday is Halloween. I’ve never really understood the love affair people have with the holiday. As far as I’m concerned, I wouldn’t bat an eye if I never celebrated the holiday again. I mean, I get it as a kid: you get free candy. What’s in it for adults? The love of dressing up and scaring people? Nah, I’ll pass.

For my money, there isn’t a better time of year than November and December. There is so much packed into those two months I thoroughly enjoy my time during those two short but wonderful months – they are the highlight of the year for me.

*BONUS: Check out one of my favorite comics about winter, here.* Satire included.

Reasons why this is the best time of the year

I like to write and listing reasons why I love this time of year is no big thing at all. Writing about things I enjoy – sign me up.

Besides, though I may fail miserably, I am trying to sell people on the virtues of these two months and why they should also think of them the way I do. Describing the wonders of this time of year hones my arguments and makes them more effective. So, without further ado, I present my list of the reasons why I believe November and December and the absolute best time of the year.

1. The onset of colder weather

While in other regions colder weather may have already begun taking hold, where I live it’s merely creeping in on summer’s oppressive grip. Summer where I live is SO HOT FOR SO LONG I literally long for the onset of fall and colder weather. See this post for why I HATE summer- and I really mean HATE.

By the time November arrives the edge to the heat has worn down some and I feel a measure of freedom, even if it is a small sliver. I actually feel comfortable enough to remain outside after I get home (which, in the summer, I assure you there is no such thing), I can be semi productive around the yard, and actually enjoy the day. I literally wish away the horrid summer months each and every day as I look forward to the time when cooler weather prevails.

I have reasons for this and they are outlined in the “Why I HATE summer” post but suffice it to say I look at many things from a skilled trades perspective point of view. I work in this weather and it is hard to enjoy the season when I sweat copious amounts in pursuit of a living.

After the miserable summer, though, cooler weather begins to penetrate and bring much needed relief. The world begins to open up again after so many months and I, for one, celebrate the colder weather ushering in. This isn’t the only reason I love the November/December time frame but it’s number one because I long for it so much for so long. It is the beginning of a cold weather train I cherish.

2. Christmas music

There are those who can’t stand Christmas music and those who can’t get enough of it. I’m not trying to listen to it all year long but I do enjoy Christmas music with my family, reserved for these two wonderful months. Personally, I enjoy the older songs, those with meaning vs the newer songs that haven’t been on the scene but a short time. Yes, there are some newer songs I like but the number is limited to a few, and usually they are by established artists. I don’t branch out too much; I’m a creature of habit, if nothing else.

Typically, Christmas music during these two months is the socially acceptable time for them and not during the rest of the year. Well, some music bleeding over into January because people aren’t ready for the season to end is acceptable too, but other than that it’s usually frowned upon. I have seen some try to have a “Christmas in July” thing and I think it’s likely because people long for the season and a break from the relentless heat. It’s short lived, though, and for good reason. Christmas music is a wonderful vehicle to celebrate the season but it definitely needs to be limited; otherwise, it can become something you never have a chance to miss. As such, I look forward to enjoying Christmas music during it’s appropriate time and it seems to be just the right amount of time for it too.

And yes, I realize there are some who think Christmas music shouldn’t start until after Thanksgiving but that’s just a personal opinion. They better not Christmas shop before Thanksgiving is over, too. Ever save money in a Christmas fund? When do they usually allow the money to be used? That’s right, it’s at the beginning of November. Just enjoy the music as long as you like, friends.

3. Veterans day

I am a patriotic American and as such love the military. Living in the midst of the highest concentration of military personnel in the country we are inundated with veterans. Veterans day is a time to reflect and give thanks to those who have served in the military. This holiday often gets overshadowed by Memorial day because of significance and Thanksgiving because of proximity. In both cases, though, Veterans day is different in substance and purpose and hopefully everyone appreciates this holiday for the great one it is; it isn’t a day to cook out but one to remember those who’ve served. Of course, you can thank them with having a cook out; I never met anyone who was opposed to free food.

4. Thanksgiving

I LOVE thanksgiving. Thanksgiving only ranks behind Christmas because of the hype built in and the meaning of it – otherwise, Thanksgiving is on par with Christmas. Thanksgiving, as I’ve written before, is a wonderful holiday meant for us to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. It’s really unfortunate black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, especially given the behavior of many who go shopping. They spend Thanksgiving saying they are thankful for what they have and the VERY NEXT DAY demonstrate they aren’t. The greedy stampeding, the horrid behavior, the lack of discipline, the willingness to treat their fellow American like dirt for the love of things; all of these and more are reasons why I lament black Friday immediately following Thanksgiving. They detract from the wonderful holiday it really is and could be if we would only let it.

Thanksgiving is a time we spend with our family, usually around family and a table, thankful for all we have. This is a wonderful exercise is humility and gratitude – one we would all be enriched by IF we would engage in it. There is a certain quality to Thanksgiving which other holidays do not possess, except Christmas, but in a different sort of way. Thanksgiving is in its own league and I for one am glad. I only wish we actually practiced what we preached when it comes to Thanksgiving.

5. Family Vacation

Ah, the great family vacation. I have a post (in draft form) regarding vacations and time off. Suffice it to say here, I believe we should take time off and actually enjoy it. Time, after all, is your greatest asset and cannot be regained; we have a limited amount of time and when it’s gone it’s gone.

I encourage you to read my post on time; it’s well worth it and hopefully you will really reflect on how valuable it truly is.

I bring up time because of time off some of us get but never use. I can think of little by way of excuses that are worthy of neglecting the time off with family and friends. We’re not promised tomorrow; as such, we should enjoy the day that’s in front of us. That’s not to say, of course, we don’t plan as if we are going to live for many years to come; we would be foolish to act otherwise. In reality, though, we should plan as though we will live for many years but live as though each day could be our last. This seems paradoxical, and on the surface, it is. Upon further reflection, however, we discover there are some who live according to that principle.

How? That’s for everyone to figure out for themselves but there are certain things we can do to live in such a way. But alas, I digress. I didn’t intend on writing about time; only mention it as a catalyst and jumping point to family vacations and time off.

Time off should be important to us and for good reasons. Our children are only young once and we would be wise indeed to capitalize on the limited time we have with them – for it is so short. This, of course, includes family vacations, which is the the reason for this particular point.

Since I have been married we have only taken one vacation as a family every year and it has been the same each time: Iowa. I will write about the actual destination next point but it has its privileges during this time of year; namely colder weather, Thanksgiving, Iowa, AND my wife’s birthday. These have all been combined to create an atmosphere for a great and memorable vacation. Although we discuss each year the possibility of vacationing in other locations (especially during our anniversary) we always lean on old faithful: Iowa. It’s nice to see our children cherished by family; for them to spend time with those who are trustworthy is invaluable – and in turn makes us grateful. It is refreshing for everyone in the family to enjoy themselves; this isn’t the normal order for many families – and I’m sorry to hear it. This world is hard enough without having discord sewed in the family fabric and when it does I am sorrowful for those involved and grateful it isn’t mine.

We take a family vacation just about every year and it proves to be wonderful every time. You can tell the caliber of a vacation on how you respond to it being over: do you long for it to end or are you lamenting it being over? How you answer can have lasting results. For me and mine, we lament our time being so short and ending we long for it again; we look forward to it the next time.

Vacation is, and has been, a cherished household thing since this family has come into being I don’t know how to act should we elect not take one. Only one year did I postpone/cancel a vacation (just me) and I was rewarded the next year by adding the week prior, giving me a full two weeks. Only one year did it happen and I’m glad it was limited to just the one.

All in all, vacation time is a time honored tradition my family cherishes and enjoys; it really is something we try to capitalize on to the fullest extent. Many people try to go on vacation during the summer because of prolonged periods and their children being out of school (mine are home schooled, creating an abundance of time and freedom), and I get that; really, I do. It shows me there are people trying to capitalize on the downtime builtin to our civilization which they want to maximize. This suggests wisdom – and were I in the same boat – I would do the same. As it is, I am extremely fortunate and and thankful for this station in life I find myself; It has proved to be a most gratifying one.

Take a vacation, be sure you plan some time off and plan accordingly; your family will thank you for it, now and in the future. It can create some of the most cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Iowa & the wife’s birthday

The family vacation I wrote so passionately about earlier carries us to Iowa every year; it really is enjoyable. We spend time around family and we are all richer for the experience. That’s not to say it is the only vacation; it hasn’t been for a number of years now. For the past five to six years I have had various meetings I attended which I brought my family along, using my location (always out of town) as a base of operation. But, if it were, as I suspect it will be in the future, I would still pick Iowa. Why? Because it has some very charming traits I find especially appealing.

The state I am from has more than twice the population of Iowa and that means we are slowing down our pace a bit when we visit. My wife is initially from Iowa, and her family still resides there. Her family loves our family, including me, and the temperature is a cool 20 degrees cooler this time of year compared to back home. What’s not to love?

All joking aside, there are other reasons why choosing to vacation with your in – laws is a good reason; if you can stand it, that is. We don’t pay to stay there. We have a home base which to launch from, there is a place where we have food stored for meals, and exploring the farm is downright enjoyable. Watching the kids as they run around on hay bales, look at the cows, chase the chickens – it all provides free entertainment (to us as parents, that is). PLUS, and this is a big one, the in – laws love to spend time with their grand kids, and this is what I like to call a built in babysitter feature when visiting Iowa. Winning!

Typically, we are in Iowa during my wife’s birthday and it is always nice to be somewhere she’s appreciated. Being in Iowa for Thanksgiving, my wife’s birthday, and our family vacation ensures we have plenty to celebrate when we are there.

7. Busch Gardens Christmas town

I love Busch Gardens. The park has something for everyone too, and that is a remarkable thing indeed. Plenty of rides for the kids and teens and adults can enjoy train and boat rides, the scenery, the architecture, and the landscaping. The park has retained “the prestigious title as the “World’s Most Beautiful Park” for the 28^th consecutive year.” There is no reason to suspect it will not win for 2019, either, bringing the year count to 29.

An additional bonus for me is working up there. I have done some great job up there, from erecting rides to small industrial maintenance and just about everything else in between. What’s more, the park is closed for a short window while some of the work is done and I get to enjoy the park with no one in it.

Unfortunately, the peak times of the park, a.k.a. summer, is a time when I want to basically hibernate in the air conditioning and stay somewhat cool. The park can get rather packed, too, making it even more likely I voice my displeasure in not going. Striving to make the park enjoyable for all (or trying to make as much money as they can – you decide) they began to open it during the November/December months, calling it Christmas town.

Allow me to sing the virtues of Christmas town for a moment. The park is COVERED in Christmas lights; over 10 million to be exact. They have some great shows, some of the rides are open, and, this is a big one, it’s COLD outside. You know what that means? I don’t sweat just walking around in the blistering sun. For those who get cold, they have heaters strategically placed around the park as well as these temporary tents supplied with heat. They have hot chocolate and beer for those who wish to partake, skyrides to give you a overview of the park lit up, train rides give you additional views, and Christmas trees are literally EVERYWHERE. They line the hillside, strung up with lights, creating a wonderful display, a feast for the eyes. The smell of Christmas trees is scattered over the park, too. Many pathways you walk have mulch from Christmas trees scattered about, adding to the sensation that is Christmas town. Christmas music plays and different music plays in different parts of the park.

This is but a taste of Christmas town. It is one of my favorite things about these two months and I’m getting excited just thinking about it. We are slated to go there soon – and I’m looking forward to it with excitement. If you have never experienced Christmas town you haven’t lived life, at least, not in the way you should. And if you live close by and haven’t gone, I have but to ask: what are you waiting for?

8. Williamsburg

Yet another thing I enjoy during this time of year is going to Williamsburg and walk around some. If you have never been, Williamsburg has a nice architectural flare to it, and if you haven’t been they do a great job of mixing the old with the new. Colonial Williamsburg is bordered by a hub of new restaurants, stores, and collection of modern day establishments which are tantalizing. Of course, I like to go when it’s cold out, maximizing the enjoyment one gets. It’s easier to enjoy the surroundings when you aren’t sweating your brains out, after all.

I enjoy the colonial aspect, the old times, the old homes, the cobblestone streets, the gardens, piles of firewood stacked up for consumption, the old stands with old time gifts, the people dressed up like colonial times educating all who inquire; it is a trip worth my time. It’s even better when you get a pipping hot cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee when you start out (I’ll save the coffee debate for a later post but let’s just say you can tell what side I’m on).

What’s more, when your done exploring the old there is the new to discover. You can look at the various shops for gift ideas, a feast for the eyes, and when your done you can eat at the Mellow Mushroom (outside, of course) to wrap the evening up. It’s a splendid evening to spend with your family and one I look forward to every year.

9. Christmas

Who doesn’t like Christmas? Relax, it’s a rhetorical one; I realize there are real life scrooges out there amongst us. For the rest of us, though, Christmas is an awesome holiday to celebrate. There is the music, caroling (do those small town caroling events actually exist/happen?), tree shopping, decorating the tree, hanging Christmas lights, spending time with the family as you enjoy all of these activities – they are well worth the effort and time.

Personally, I don’t care for the commercialization the season has endured over the past couple decades and neither does my wallet, for that matter. Many of the trinkets people buy in the name of the season end up broken, ignored, or find their way in the trashcan before you know it, anyway. If you’re lucky enough to get gifts from us, you get more thoughtful ones. How about some baked goodies, some canned items from the garden, or some handmade gifts? They aren’t mass produced, are more thoughtful, took time to create/make, and are a more authentic gift overall.

We’ve tried to distill the holiday down a bit to make it more memorable and less item centered. This isn’t always easy and I only bring it up because I am writing a post about why November/December are the best months. Christmas is a big part of that joyous time and it’s necessary to delve into how we celebrate Christmas – because it is different than many across the country. We try to focus on the reason for the season, making unique gifts, creating memories, and enjoying the time we have with our family – because, as I’ve outlined in other posts – time is a cruel master, indeed.

I love Christmas, for many reasons, and I realize I am a blessed individual. I try to be a sponge this time of year, soaking in all of the joy I can, because I’m going to need if when I hate life during the summer months (or, perhaps more accurately, during the summer temperatures – which is a MUCH LONGER time frame – ugh).

10. My daughter’s birthday

My middle daughter’s birthday is, unfortunately, the day after Christmas, and were it not for a few hours it would have been Christmas day. Yeah, her birth was a great present for us but it makes celebrating it separate from Christmas difficult. Anyone out there feel me on this?

If your birthday isn’t near this time, then perhaps you don’t understand the struggle. The time frame leading up to your birthday is often yours to enjoy, relish in, and look forward to your own special day. When it’s close to Christmas, though, there is no real buildup to your day – the build up is made manifest with a day for everyone else in your household. You feel cheated, overlooked, and you don’t feel special – because your special day isn’t celebrated like everyone else. The struggle is real.

As I write this, she will turn five this December 26th. The struggle hasn’t really made itself manifest yet; she’s just a little too young to truly grasp the shadow cast on her birthday. One day, and that day is certainly coming soon, she will realize this, which will make the day even more difficult to set apart and highlight.

A difficulty may be present but that doesn’t mean we don’t try and rise to the occasion. I love to celebrate my kids; they are one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given, and I try to demonstrate it as much and as meaningful as I can. One way we try to celebrate our daughters birthday being so close to Christmas is to take Christmas songs and change the lyrics around. I take established Christmas songs, switch the lyrics up, and sing them to celebrate my daughters birthday instead. It’s a small thing to do but it’s something that is SOLELY for her; something that is only done for her and that’s it. I write them down and put them into her special folder, which she can look back over when she’s older.

11. New Years

New year, new you – or so the mantra goes. I get the persuasion behind it: a new calendar year for you to start over and do things differently. I don’t partake, though. I don’t even care about ringing in the New Year by watching the ball drop. Why then is it listed? Simple: my family likes to and I enjoy watching them celebrate and enjoy it. They all pile in the living room, eating snacks, watching movies and the talking heads on T.V.; all while I, more often than not, fall asleep in the recliner. Ah, that sweet sleep to be had! In all seriousness, it’s another holiday I get to enjoy with my family, at home, with colder weather just outside the confines of our home.

New Years isn’t my favorite holiday but I do enjoy being off work, around my family, at my home relaxing. And, the Christmas tree is still up, the lights still on, and decorations still in full effect. In a way, New Years is bittersweet because it marks the end of the season I enjoy so much. The thing is, though, to make sure you enjoy the anticipation of the thing too; because if not, the taste of what you longed for will be unfulfilling. Or, as it reads below,

“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting”
― Andy Warhol

You can find a whole slew of quotes about anticipation, here. However you enjoy something, be sure to not only enjoy the thing but the anticipation of it also, otherwise, you’ll cheat yourself out of some awesome joy.

Conclusion

I only listed 11 reasons why I love the months of November & December, outlining why they are the best months of the year. There are, if I really think about it, many more reasons why these months are the best. I didn’t list various parties during this time. Nor did I mention spirit which, although seems hampered at times, is vibrant during these months. How about the time spent with extended family? Christmas feasting, deep fried turkey, Christmas cookies and baked goods? I could go one and on – there really are a plethora of reasons why these two months are the very best the year has to offer. The 11 will do, however, and are substantial enough to make a concrete case November/December. Here’s hoping you also see the light in the darkness, celebrate these two months like they should, and realize the potential they possess. I just wrote over 4,200 words shouting the virtues of the season – what’s your excuse?