I usually wait till the month of December to start hanging lights. Truth be told, mostly the second or third week of the month. Not this year, I started unboxing them yesterday but didn’t really hang any.

Today though, there are lots of lights to hang. Some years when I was working it was a chore. Now it’s a lot of fun because I have the time to do it and not sacrifice something else. I remember this feeling last year also. Another thing retirement has changed perspective on.

I can’t wait till they are all hung and evening comes so I can turn them on.

I’m not a huge fan of this month. It’s cold to start with and my hostility towards cold knows no bounds. It’s a month of people under enormous pressure, which can lead to some erratic and unpredictable behavior. Just go for a drive if you need proof.

It’s a time for families which is very difficult for a lot of people. Some are missing and mourning family members that have passed. Some are separated by great distances and can’t be together. Some are brought together but don’t want to be.

Some could be but chose not to which can be hurtful to others. Increased stress leads to poor decisions and bad habits. A troubled year could weigh more heavily as things are recounted again. Financial uncertainty looms over many.

Being it’s the first of the month though I’ll bring it around to some positive possibilities. I can’t wait to see the kid’s and grandchildren’s faces on Christmas. The month will be loaded with great food. I’ll try to bring a bit of relief to those who are stressed with a smile and laughter. I started yesterday sending a good joke to one of my best friends who’s always stressed.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and I have a list of donations to make. I didn’t get out to support Small Business Saturday, but I will be out spending with local merchants this week. I’m got a ton of people to reach out to with heartfelt holiday greetings. Maybe attend a Maryland basketball game.

And if I’m lucky, that any snow we get will be easy to shovel away. Welcome to December, glad we all made it.