Happy Holidays

So!  The boss is giving us a half-day today, on account of we worked on the Solstice.

I was raised in the tradition of gift-giving and trees and special music and family gathering and so on for December 25, and some of those practices form part of my personal traditions.  I like to send cards, so I send Solstice cards. I like the tree decorating thing, but we have cats, and I still have ornaments that belonged to my grandmother, so — we forego the tree, though we do have greens in the house in the shape of fresh wreathes.  Since I love to distraction Things That Light Up, we have glass trees to accompany the ceramic Christmas tree Steve’s mother made him years ago.  We have a special meal, or two, or three, and take some time off — how much depending on how near the nearest deadline looms — to read, play Scrabble or cards, watch a movie, whatever.  It’s a nice break in routine, and who doesn’t need a break?

All of which is to say — happy holiday to those who celebrate; happy weekend to those who have one; happy day to those for whom these next few days are days-in-the-life.

Stay safe.  Remember to tell the people you care about that you love them.  Raise your face to the sky and smile at the stars.  Be kind, and be happy.