by Roe Yeager

December is a month filled with all sorts of events and happenings that keep everyone busy and entertained. Busy is probably the most challenging aspect of this potentially fun filled time. Who knew that one day, December 25th, could generate so much activity. I know that there are many who begin preparations for this day almost a year in advance.

Shopping for Christmas all year long can be most advantageous. Keeping in mind those who will be gifted, one can pay attention at sales and bargains throughout the year and then put them away until the time is close. It is great fun to pull everything out and rediscover the treasures you have collected over the year. It is almost as though the holiday fun gets repeated all over again.Then one can just sit back and enjoy the events and parties and be free from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping.

The Central Coast is filled with lots of things to see and do. Morro Bay puts on its annual Lighted Boat Parade, which is a delight to everyone who ventures to this little town for the viewing. I have attended several over the years and the fire breathing dragon is still my favorite. I love how creative people are and how they bring to life something from their imagination. I missed the event last year and the dragon was from the previous year. Now that I am settled here I will be able to observe and enjoy the creations of the boat owners and their imaginations. I can hardly wait to see if the dragon will be present.

There are craft fairs and street fairs going on all over the area. There is never a shortage of places offering hand made this and that and a lot of it is edible and ready for the immediate partaking. I guess one could freeze it and have it out for the holidays, but sometimes enjoying it in the moment is the best one can do. Almost everyone is in good spirits and shopping or browsing locally here is a real treat for everyone, since everything here is slow paced. For this, I am extremely grateful.

Lighted everything is such fun to see. Driving along the highway and local streets and looking up in the hills, it is so nice to see all the houses with their light decorations. It can certainly pull one into the spirit of the season. Most of the local shops and business owners decorate their windows and trees and shrubs with all sorts of seasonal offerings. Some for viewing and some for buying. And holiday music seems to be playing almost everywhere.

It is a time of year to make just those special dishes that only are made for the holidays. They are traditional ones that call to us each year and we wait for all year. Special desserts and goodies seem to top the list. I, for one, make a panocha fudge that is to die for. (In my opinion.) This ends up being a gift to family since I only make it for the holidays. I do freeze some, keeping it for myself. And I do try to keep some on hand for those stopping by. This is difficult.

And then there is the spirit of the season that I feel is most important. It is the gathering and sharing of family and friends and holding in our hearts the love of these special people in our lives. We are not always able to physically be with them, though we do everything in our power to make certain they know how treasured they are to us. Even if they are across the "Pond!"

It is a time for sharing ourselves and our offerings with anyone willing to accept. Greetings of good cheer and offerings of happy "hello's" to those we encounter along the streets are wonderful gifts. Hugs can also be readily available to anyone wanting one. These have benefits both ways.

So, my wish for all of you this season is to enjoy this time and share yourself with those around you and those in your heart and to always be on the lookout for all the magic that is everywhere this time of year. And then, perhaps, you may discover that this magic is around everywhere, all of the time. May you find peace, joy and love in your heart all year long.

Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year!