December.

Each year, I fill this month with friends, family, poorly choreographed concert dance moves, restless children to teach, food and more food. It’s a fun month, but it can be hard. December is overwhelming. The same Christmas carol I sang along to happily in the morning, can make me weep by evening. One look at a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can grow a lump in my throat bigger than a golf ball. A tight hug or kind words from a friend, and tears sting my eyes. Why? I keep asking that. What is it about this time of year? Maybe its the finality that December brings. Maybe it’s the time taken to reflect on another year gone by. Maybe it’s the time taken to think of the people no longer with us, or the people who choose not to be with us. Possibly the way our minds wander to the friends who are struggling, or the uncertainty of the year to proceed. Maybe it’s the beautiful words written in Christmas cards, and all the words that we long to hear but remain unsaid.

I proudly survived another December. Though my mind struggled, I still smiled. I smiled for all the wonderful people in my life. For my friends; old and new, who go out of their way each day to fill my heart with hope. I smiled for the innocence of children and their unwavering belief in magic. For the time I spent with my family, and the food that together we prepared. I smiled with pride as my class stepped out of my classroom for the final time, or when I created blisters so big from hours on the dance floor. I smiled at the way my recycle bin overflowed with empty bottles of wine, and I smiled the moment the brandy sauce was poured onto my homemade pudding.

Christmas carols, Bad Kris Kringle presents, bon-bon entertainment, Christmas parties (Australian and Danish), going to the theatre and eating alllll the cherries. Through tears and smiles.

What a month. Now roll on the hot cross buns…