Yes, you can get your coats out now.

Seven days into December and winter has finally settled upon dear New Orleans, at least for the time being, and not a moment too soon! The folks who were just blasting the muggy, balmy weather are now just-as-noisily cursing the biting wind and the drizzling rain.  Christmas trees are haughtily pushing out lesser houseplants to take the prime spot by the window, and even my house has both colored and white lights strung up on the porch. (it's very politically correct).

I'm not one to complain about the holiday season, so I won't! In fact, I love Christmas.  I love Jesus, too, so that works out well.  I also love being a mom during this time. (What?! There are times you don't love being a mom?! Tsk tsk tsk)   The excitement of getting new toys (or new hand-me-downs) is really something to marvel.  Of course, so is remembering the birth of Jesus, but come on, a 5 year old thinks the batman cave with the 4 secret hide-e-holes and working trap doors trump the little drummer boy any day.

Which is why, as GROWN UPS, it is our duty to gently remind them that why getting toys is exciting and fun, we really should be grateful of all the non material things that we have in our life, because those are what REALLY matters.  And it's true, after all.  All it takes is one hurricane season to really bring that lesson home...but that's another blog.

So as the streetcars don their holly, as the lights are strung up on Canal Street, as the Oaks in City Park start shining in the night, remember to lighten up this season.  Let go of one piece of anger.  Extend the olive branch first.  Find joy this season, and spread that joy to others.  Hugs and smiles, dear Internet, and happy holidays.