December is a celebratory month at Senior Lifestyle, and along with Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, this month provides a host of other lesser-known holidays for us to enjoy. On any given day in December, there’s a fun, possibly somewhat odd holiday to observe, and while we aren’t sure who’s in charge of the goofy holiday calendar, we’re always willing to celebrate!
December 21st held several noteworthy celebrations, not the least of which is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, winter in the Northern Hemisphere officially began December 21st at 10:28 am Central Standard Time, with the sun’s path reaching its southernmost position. After the 21st, the sun’s path starts to move northward, but the change is so slight that the path seems to stay the same, hence the term solstice, from the Latin words sol for sun and sistere, meaning to stand still. Perhaps not so coincidentally, December 21st is also National Flashlight Day (practical on the shortest and darkest day of the year) and Look on the Bright Side Day, a great idea for a cold, gray day in December!
Perhaps a little standing still is what we all need around this time of year. We get so caught up in following a plan sometimes that we fail to see the opportunities that present themselves daily, like a gift that’s always the right size and color. Hearing residents reminisce about holidays past and the presents they enjoyed most (hula hoops and tea sets seem to be popular!) is always a cheery and bright time in our Senior Lifestyle communities and it reminds us to slow down and enjoy the season.
We’re not suggesting that you ditch all your obligations and sit staring at the pretty lights until New Year’s Day, but we certainly hope that at some point during this season of wonder you are able to sit quietly and contemplate the bright moments of the waning year. While you’re contemplating, remember to look forward to the bright new year that’s just around the corner. If contemplating isn’t your style, we at Senior Lifestyle hope you have an impromptu get-together with friends and family to laugh and share your hopes for the new year. We also hope that if a small child asks you to try the hula hoop, have a tea party, or watch the snow fall, you take the time to do so. We promise, it will make your spirits bright!
However and whatever you celebrate, Senior Lifestyle wishes you the happiest of holidays from our family to yours, surrounded by friends, family and good cheer! For information on holiday events and celebrations at a Senior Lifestyle community near you, please visit our website at www.seniorlifestyle.com.