At this time in years past I've rationed the Christmas music.  It's everywhere at this point.  There is a radio station here that pays the holiday cheer 24-7 starting the day after Halloween.

I used to give in and listen to the jingle belling and the deck the halling on constant repeat until the week before Christmas when, if I heard another version of Rudolf or Mariah tell me what she wants for Christmas one more time, I would have to fight the urge to cut my ears off.

This year I'm having a hard time coming to grips with the fact it's Thanksgiving already, let alone drowning myself in holiday tunes.  This year has passed so incredibly fast.  It's hard to remember what I was even doing this time last year.  Oh wait…

Anyway, today serves as a reminder to me that while things are busy, the futue is exciting, and yes I need more sleep, I really need to take it down a notch. Be present. Enjoy the moment. Appreciate what's happening right now.

So I take the time to remember the things I'm thankful for: 

Today's weather, dry and “warm” at almost 60 degrees.

The opportunity to make good food and share it with good friends.

Christmas music to help me feel the holiday cheer.

My incredibly wonderful family.

The parents I'm lucky to have.

Past experiences that make me who I am.

My employment, apartment, and the things I need.

My urban family = friends who take care of me as if I really belonged to their families.

The people I have met who enrich my life.

The possiblities hidden in the future waiting for me.

Today I turn down the noise and turn up the holiday tunes. Because nothing gets me feeling hoiday cheery more than Bing Crosby, the Nutcracker Ballet, Nat King Cole and Peggy Lee.

Today I take it slow, enjoy the process, and be thankful. Because by the time tomorrow comes, today will have been 3 months ago and I'll want it all back.

Happy Thanksgiving.