The most wonderful time of the year!

"But until January 2nd comes, we will party, we will revel, we will celebrate. Why? That is what we do. That is part of the human experience." 

If I were abducted by aliens, I was asked to describe the most wonderful part of the human existence, I would be hard pressed not to mention this time of year. Years ago, Andy Williams had a hit song (which most of us still like to listen to in November and December) called "It's the most wonderful time of the year". Even though the song is about Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year (in my humble opinion), goes from the day before Thanksgiving until the New Year.

Even if I have had a bad year, or a blah year, there is something about this time of year which seems to sooth most wounds. In the words of Andy's song, 

There'll be much mistletoeing,

And hearts will be glowing,

When loved ones are near...

If your family is large or small, travel near or travel far, close or not so close, there is something special about kicking off this most wonderful time of the year with turkey, fires in the hearth, maybe some football, and good family cheer. Thanksgiving is not only the time for giving thanks, but it is also the day which "sets the table" for the rest of the holiday season.

The day after Thanksgiving has always been the "green light" day for many. Christmas songs fill the air, Christmas decorations start to magically appear, the the mayhem of shopping is in full swing. Plus- holiday baking starts in earnest. Families like ours, are also blessed with a bevy of birthdays sprinkled between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it seems that the party never stops.

There is a dark side to this time of the year however. It ends. Come January 2nd, the party stops. Decorations start coming down, presents are put away, and the cuisine starts to go back to normal. Places of employment go from office parties to focusing on the new year's objectives. No more holiday music. No more bright and joyous Christmas lights. Just the endless darkness, and brutal cold of January. 

But until January 2nd comes, we will party, we will revel, we will celebrate. Why? That is what we do. That is part of the human experience. This time of year is endearing to people of faith as it celebrates the birth of our Savior. People not in the faith, still love this time of year. Why? It is the magic of Christmas. In any event, from the Bird's nest to all whomever might read this - have a wonderful holiday season. It really is, the most wonderful time of the year.