Yes, I know. It’s only September but here me out. We have 3 of the absolute best holidays all together that flow seamlessly into each other. I think these upcoming months are the best months out of the year. The magic of these holidays is everywhere when you allow yourself to look for it.

First we have Halloween. This is one that allows us to get into the spooky, superstitious, and scary. This is when the family outings become more important. With the pumpkin patches, hayrides and pumpkin carvings the little ones get to start experiencing the magic of the holidays.

I remember as a child the excitement of picking out a costume and trick or treating with friends and cousins. Looking at all of the decorations on the homes. Now as an adult, I appreciate watching the little ones in their costumes doing the same circuit on the streets but I appreciate the creativity of the customs and homes a little more. The holiday has certainly evolved from when I was a child.

Then in November, those pumpkins you carved are carrying you in to the month of gratefulness. Thanksgiving is a beautiful fall holiday (unless you live in the South). Let’s face it, we can appreciate the decorations on the homes of those who choose to show them, but what we are all really thankful for is Thanksgiving day. Right? You guys know, the eating and drinking with friends and family. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV with the kids while drinking mimosas. The loud laughter and people yelling at the TV during the football game. We have an entire day to spend with the people who mean the most to us. And once again, the magic of the day and holiday #2 is right there for everyone to see.

Now for my absolutely FAVORITE of all time. CHRISTMAS!!! Yes, I am that person. I love everything Christmas. The movies, the snow, the cuddling in the blankets to stay warm, the Christmas lights and festivals, parades, and the best of all is watching the kids look on in wonder as Santa makes an appearance. I love looking at Rockefeller Center in New York at the big tree decorated and lit up, and the ice rink. I live in the South so naturally there is fascination with snow. This brings more holiday family togetherness for most. Everything about this holiday is magic.

Yes, I know. It seems to be taken over by being commercialized and all about what the kids get but there is still magic and beauty through the chaos and crazy. I thinks it’s also important to remember that most gifts to family and friends don’t need to be expensive, you just need to be creative.

I do want to take a mention here that if you don’t have family for the holidays and don’t want to spend the holidays alone, please reach out to friends or local communities to see what is going on in your area. This one of the holidays with the highest suicide rates than any other time. If you can reach out and share the joy with someone else, even if it’s a hat or hot cup of coffee or cocoa, it will truly make a difference to them.

To help locally, I have added a few links below of National agencies that can help during the difficult holiday. Also, if you or someone you know needs help during a suicide crisis, call or text 988 on your phone, and this puts you in touch with someone that you can talk with. This is the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. I believe that everyone can be helped if they have the right resources and assistance.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action/volunteer/holidays

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/brighten-the-holidays/

https://thechristmasbox.org/

https://www.toysfortots.org/programs/holiday-programs/