Southern Musings

As the year quickly draws to a close, the entire world seems to be talking about how they will celebrate. The local news channel is running news stories at least once per week about a local cab company that will be giving free rides home for those that party too much to drive. Hotels are running specials that include a celebration in the price. Individuals all around are rushing to the store to pick up the last minute items they need for their own celebration. At my house, my boys will be waiting up until the magical hour with me while my husband will be catching a few z’s.

We just are not into the big elaborate parties. We may have a special meal or simply plan some time together, but we rarely go all out and have a party or even friends over. Sure I would love to have a big party and go all out, but my budget and my time just do not allow for such a celebration. Instead, we will be having our nice quiet evening at home again. 

We will have a nice dinner at home before watching a movie or favorite show. Then about 11:00 or 11:30, we will grab some snacks and fight for our favorite seat in front of the television. After midnight, the boys will drift off into their rooms to play video games or chat with late night friends. I will eventually get tired and catch a few z’s of my own.

It may not sound like a big deal, but to me it is. It is a quiet time. A time to reflect over what happened the previous year and think about what changes I feel need to be made in the upcoming year. It is a time that I can say goodbye to the bad times, remember the good, and plan for even better.

Celebrations do not have to be big or expensive. They do not have to involve a lot of people. They can be just a moment of being thankful for what we have and grateful for what we are about to receive.

Regardless of how you plan on seeing the start of the new year, I hope that your life is filled with much happiness and that your heart and mind are open to the good things that will be coming your way. Allow the negative things to quietly drift away while hoarding as many good memories as you can. Celebrate life, love, and happiness as you find your own personal way of marking yet another point in history.