Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year!

It’s December 1.

And, in my mind, that’s when the calendar truly turns to the holiday season. The music, the decorations — everything associated with this season is going to be in full swing soon enough.

You’ll probably start hearing the songs soon enough on the radio (if they haven’t already been playing)! (The above YouTube video is one of my top three favorite holiday songs!)

More and more houses will start putting decorations up.

Lines at the stores. Traffic in places you don’t usually expect it. Sometimes, snow. It all depends on where you are for that one!

But the holiday season is here.

Two nights ago, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer played on television. Tonight, it’s Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. I’m sure others will follow in suit, soon enough.

So that means the tunes will be playing for the next month. The displays will be in full force. Lines at the stores will be longer and longer. Traffic anywhere around shopping areas will be more congested.

But, it’s a good time of year.

I have a hard time not smiling on a nice cool night with Christmas lights shining.

I realize that my current economic situation won’t allow me to be as “generous” this gift-giving season, but it’s still a good season. I learned long ago that this holiday season isn’t just about the gifts, but rather the time with family and friends. It’s about the act of giving, not the amount you give. And this year, one that I’ll never forget for obvious reasons, has made me realize a lot of things in life, including how wonderful this time of year really is.

So as this time of year really shifts into gear, stop for a moment and realize what we have. If you are reading this, you probably are doing OK. The world might not be perfect, but at least you are doing OK.

Take a moment to take a deep breath when getting mad in a long line or in traffic (I’ll admit, I’ll need to do this as well!)

Smell some holiday flowers. Say hi to people. Smile.

And, if you can, give. Toy drives and food drives are ongoing this time of year. If you can spare anything, even one toy or can of food, try and do so. I know a member of our geocaching community is organizing a toy drive at an upcoming event and I am going to try and bring a couple of new, unwrapped toys to give. I might not be able to do a lot, but I will do what I can.

If there’s any other way to give this year, try and do so. Volunteer. Help a neighbor putting up his or her decorations. Just get into the spirit.

As a World — and for those of you in the United States like me — it hasn’t been an easy year. So let’s at least try and have a good ending to it.

Oh, and while you’re at it — try not to put on 25 pounds by eating too much!

Now I leave you with one of my favorite Christmas specials — The Year Without a Santa Claus — and one of the best scenes…

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!