Marquette, MI (12/11/13) According to Daysoftheyear.com today is Mountain Day. Winter in the U.P. is far too cold to conquer a real mountain, but figuratively speaking the holiday season places many overwhelming obstacles in our way.
I love a good Christmas song, but listening to Jingle Bells 7 times in one day is too much. And the word claustrophobic is not strong enough for how the crowds make me feel. I think this year I’m going to visit a few local stores first, then order everything else online. I’m always checking for deals on UPBargains.com to support the local businesses. The plan is to skip the big box stores altogether.
Dealing with family can add grey hair to the most patient person. Nobody really wants to hear Uncle John tell the same hunting story every year, but we laugh when he describes how after he shot the dear it ran straight into a tree. It’s important to remember that it goes both ways. Every family member has things that drive people crazy. I’m sure mine is making the Batman voice and going, “Where is he?” When people ask who, I say “Santa, he stole my bat-mobile to deliver presents.” Nobody laughs, but I think its hilarious.
With the end of the year coming up, many people are thinking of resolutions or goals to set for the New Years. When looking back on the last 12 months it can be depressing to think of things that haven’t turned out the way we expected. Try making a list of the things you accomplished and maybe make one of your resolutions to continue with that goal. My big mission from this year was moving to a new apartment. Next year, I’m going to be hanging pictures and making it look like a home.
The best way to make it to the top of the mountain is to start slow and make some momentum by recognizing and celebrating every accomplishment. Every time you get home from shopping, take a picture of the pile of presents. Explain to Uncle John that the tree ran into the deer. Remember that the holidays will be over before you know it, so take some time to tell your family that you love them and maybe sing a carol or two. And if you see Santa in a bat-mobile, let me know.