Flannel Sheets (T-Minus 460 Days)

I have spent so long thinking about what to write about next that weeks have gone by without even noticing. I finally realized, however, that not every entry needs to be end with some deep, thought-provoking message, a lesson learned by yours truly or grand step towards the infamous groove.

It’s about the little things. And the tiny steps in between the big ones.

This came to me early this morning as my alarm (Joshua Radin’s - I’d Rather Be With You) continued to play over and over while I lay in bed thinking there are few greater feelings than being snuggled in new flannel sheets. I think that is one of my favorite things about winter, about the holiday season.

And so, here is a list of some of my other not-so-guilty little pleasures I relish during this time of the year (in no particular order, other than stream of consciousness).

1.       Hallmark movies. And Lifetime. And ABC Family Channel. – The Christmas Card, Fallen Angel and Recipe for a Perfect Christmas are some of my faves.

2.       Joni Mitchell’s River and Sarah McLachlin’s Wintersong … Achingly sad Christmas songs make me happy.

3.       My “I Believe” t-shirt. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.

4.       Egg Nog … with bourbon. Great Lakes Christmas Ale.  Basically the open excuse to drink.

5.       Cookies, cookies and more cookies.

6.       Coming home from work to Christmas cards in the mailbox – even if they’re pictures of ferrets in Santa hats, from your realtor or reminding you that you are not married with 2.5 kids and a cute puppy.

7.       This probably shouldn’t have taken me all the way to No. 7, but the satisfaction of knowing you have found someone the perfect gift. I have found two of those so far and I cannot wait to give them.

8.       Putting the angel on top of the tree.

I admit it has been tougher than usual to get in the holiday spirit this year, even with all the things listed above. For the first time in my 28-plus years, I will not be spending Christmas with my family and the weight of that hits me at odd times. I am, of course, fortunate enough to have amazing friends that will open their hearts and home for me the day, but nothing will replace misbehaving in the pew with my brother and sister at the late service Christmas Eve, sleeping in the next morning and not opening stockings til 10 a.m. or helping my mom make dinner in the kitchen.

To me, family is a big thing.

And so, in the absence of the big thing, I am left with all of the small ones. I will spend this holiday nestled in flannel sheets, nursing an egg nog … with bourbon and watching FaLaLaLaLifetime. In short, making my own traditions, as seemingly pitiful as they may seem.

Whether you are heading into the next couple weeks alone, with your family, with your significant other or with your friends that might as well be family, appreciate all the little things that come with the season. They are what makes it great, or at least what makes it bearable.