Why I miss December.

I've never handled winters well. I'm always cold and it's always dark. How can a season where the days are so short last so long? For me, winter's redeeming quality is the month of December. Well, that and the many opportunities to wear all my scarves...

In no particular order, why I miss December (I realize it's February and I should be over this. I"m not):

White Christmas lights. I'm convinced white Christmas lights make any setting or situation romantic and dream-like. Even sitting in traffic to and from work is bearable when stand after strand of white lights twinkle around me. Watching a movie alone on a Friday night? Instantly magical with a Christmas tree covered in white lights in the corner.

Constant anticipation. I love to be excited about things. Anything, really. Now that I'm (sort of) an adult, excitement doesn't come as frequently, or at least not with the same childlike intensity as when I was younger. I think December brings out the little-kid wonder in all of us. It does in me, at least. I can always look forward to the next Christmas party, or my little sisters' faces when they open my gifts for them. Or my grandmother's cooking. Even after Christmas, there's an entire extra week to anticipate New Year's. December is so generous.

Shopping and eating. I like both, and December allows me to justify both, because, after all "it's the holidays!" Now it's back to budgeting and calorie-tracking. Gross.

George Michael. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate and enjoy the musical genius of George Michael all year long. I realize this puts in a very small minority. But, for one month of the year, George Michael is suddenly cool -- because honestly, everyone secretly loves "Last Christmas" by Wham!

So...my point? Tonight I'm putting up white lights in my room while I listen to George Michael.