Rushing Seasons

Halloween decorations started popping up at the beginning of September. Christmas decorations arrived on the scene in October. I'm sure somewhere out there, Valentine's decorations are already peeping out from shelves despite Thanksgiving creeping around the corner.

The seasons are happening faster. Holidats are being pushed earlier. Maybe things changed when COVID affected the seasons. Maybe it's been happening for years, and I'm notice it more this year as a first time mom watching my baby's growth happen rapidly with the seasons. I've heard people say they need the joy of the holidays earlier and earlier, and I won't deny the joy brought by Christmas lights and Hallmark movies, but the more the stores and streaming services push to rush from one holiday into the next, the more I want to find a way to slow it down.

Once we've rushed our way through New Years, will we remember more than snippets from all the moments we rushed through? My baby went from a newborn to a giggly bundle grabbing at her feet in a blink. I remind myself as we're pushed to rush through the holidays that we only get these firsts with her once. The first time she'll try food. The first time she stares in awe at Christmas lights and feels wrapping paper.

We only get one first holiday season with her, and in a year that feels like every company around us is trying to rush us through it, I am reminded of the need to slow down. To take in the moments around us before they're gone. To push back against the urge to sprint through the holidays. To reclaim this time of year for joy and family and being slow and still where we can.

Time goes by fast enough on its own, so why are we so determined to help rush it along?

Cheering you on from the sidelines,

SB