The Holdiays Are Coming...

... whether we want them to or not.

My XM Satellite Radio has its Christmas channel up and running. Don't get me wrong; I love the holidays as much as the next girl. We decorate the house to the nines, complete with holiday carousel and flashing train out front, next to inflatable Santa, snowmen, and twinkle lights. The house is done up with lit boughs of pine roping twined around the loft railing, an 8' tall tree with more decorations on it than a display at Macy's, and Christmas Village scenes set on every available flat surface. We do the whole Christmas dishes thing, and the house is always scented with pine or bayberry candles.

I love Christmas.

But it's November.

I haven't even gotten my turkey yet -- we pick it up from the turkey farm on Tuesday. We have the apple pie and cobbler done and frozen. The rolls are prepped and frozen, ready to be baked. We have the ingredients for our homemade bread stuffing sitting in the fridge ready to be diced, minced and chopped. The turkey-covered tablecloth and autumn-leaf candles are out on the table.

This weekend we're laying in beer and brushing the felt on the pool table. We're making sure our bar is stocked and the cable out in the game room is working. We're getting ready for THANKSGIVNG. That holiday that gets the short end of the stick.

After all the hullaballoo of Halloween, and the shove-down-your-throat of Christmas the day after, it's no wonder people tend to forget that Thanksgiving is more than just a big meal to keep you in turkey leftovers until Christmas.

Thanksgiving is the one day set aside for something we should do each and every day: Give thanks to whatever Gods or Goddesses or Fates you believe in for what you have.

I for one will be giving thanks for my husband, who is a trial sometimes, but reminds me that life isn't supposed to be easy, and things worth having are worth working on.

For my son, who is the light of my life, and whose "Hi Mama!" and running feet moments before he launches himself into my arms is the best salve for whatever crap rained down on me that day.

For my father, who is battling prostate cancer and winning.

For my mom, who continues to be my best friend, my sounding board for what I think are my life's problems.

For my family and friends, both in my real day-to-day life and in my cyber-life, for enriching my life, touching my heart, and warming my soul.

I will openly and warmly embrace Christmas, the festive spirit, the joyful music, the decorations and trappings.

Next weekend.

For now, I will count my blessings.

Lord knows, it'll take me until next Thursday to list them all :)

~ Hath