Every time I write the December column, I wonder how another year could have flown by so fast. I have come to the conclusion that it is my aging that has caused it to do so. As a child, the school year seemed to go on forever before there was a small break for a holiday. Those few days off sped by, and it was right back to school. I can’t remember a winter without several substantial snows, so there were five snow days built into the school calendar. As nice as that was, there were very few years that all those days weren’t used. If we missed more days than those allotted, we had to make them up. As a child, I was too busy sledding, making snowmen and angels, and warming up with hot chocolate to realize I would be making up days on Saturdays, or losing a day or two from spring break. Like most children, once we passed Christmas, it seemed like forever before school was out for the summer.

Now, it seems like every season is over much too soon. It feels like school has just started and, suddenly, it’s Halloween. This shouldn’t be that much of a surprise considering most stores start decorating for it about that same time. Before I can turn around, I am sitting down for a Thanksgiving feast. I love the holiday season; I just wish it didn’t come and go so fast. I love to decorate the house for each one. I love unpacking the boxes, especially the ones for Christmas, and rediscovering cherished ornaments and other items collected over the years. Since our daughters were very young, we have ventured up to Ashe County to cut down the perfect tree. Our oldest daughter has kept this tradition alive with her family, and we continue to go with them. 

It is special times with my seven fabulous grandchildren that take me back to remembering their sweet faces the first time they experienced something new. Sometimes there was a look of apprehension, and other times, it was the happiest grin that lit up their whole face. The holidays always make me a bit nostalgic. Most every decoration holds some special meaning to me. I have salt dough ornaments that were made with tiny handprints painted to look like Santa Claus. It is that kind of thing that makes me wonder how so many years have passed by so quickly. 

Our eldest grandchild turns 17 this month. She has been touring colleges, keeping pro and con lists of each one she has visited. It seems like she should be 12 years old at most. Our youngest is now six – he should be two! Although I love seeing how they have grown and matured, it seems to have happened in the blink of an eye. 

I remember one day when our three girls had been a handful. The minute my husband got home from work, my first words to him were how hard a day I’d had dealing with them. He looked at me and said, “one day, they’ll all be grown and out on their own, and you’ll wonder how it all went by so fast.” That day, I doubted it, but he was so right. I know my daughter is feeling that now, wondering how it is possible her daughter will be off to college in just a year and a half.

I know I am so blessed to have my daughters and grandchildren close by. I also know I can’t slow down time, but I can make memories that will enrich my life for years to come! I have learned that the best gift I will ever get is spending quality time with family. While I can’t be with them every day, especially the ones that live in Charlotte, I can make mental pictures of the times we spend together and the memories we’ve made. Today, while I was staying with a couple of my grandchildren, my granddaughter came up behind me, wrapped her arms around me and said, “did you know you are a wonderful grandmother?” Yes, that one will always be one of my favorite mental pictures.

However you spend your holidays, hopefully, you’ll have time with family. Being with your grandchildren will bring you so many wonderful memories and stories to share with your friends and relatives. This will be the one gift to give yourself that will continue to give you new memories with each visit. And, though it may not slow down time, it will make it easier to accept.

One last note…please remember our North Carolina neighbors who are still recovering from the devastation they suffered this September. Please reach out to any of a number of organizations, if you are able, to see what is needed. Your help will be greatly appreciated.