December

Written By Janelle LaRae

December is here! 

There are many things I enjoy about the year.  I enjoy each of the seasons: the flowers in the spring, the summer fun, and the leaves in the fall.  But there is something special about December, not about winter, but December. 

December invites change.  We put up a Christmas tree and add extra lights and decorations around our homes.  We listen to music about family and togetherness and love.  We drink hot drinks by a cozy fire.  We stop a bit more, play games a bit more and choose us a bit more. 

Sometimes it snows.  The white blanket and flying flakes are my favorite.  They bring silence and peace.  The white flyers disguise anything attempting to bring chaos.  Unlike raindrops which rush to the ground, they are in no hurry to land.  Snowflakes let the wind push them along, not fighting, but floating and settling wherever.

I am reminded how important it is to maintain our values during this time.  We still have to choose what makes us strong.  We still have to choose what gives us peace.  We still have to choose what identifies us and determines our next step. 

Enjoy each moment of each day.  This season, this month, is not about the number of things you can accomplish.  It isn't about the number of things you can buy or the number of events you attend.  It is about family and peace and love like every other day of the year. 

I love December because it often looks different than other times of the year.  The snow in January never quite feels or looks like the snow in December.  

I love December because we change things around us for a moment and get a different vantage point on our lives.  

I love December because it is different and for a moment, everyone welcomes the difference and celebrates together.


Janelle LaRae

I am a teacher and author. I teach elementary school and inspire students to be the best versions of themselves. I use honesty and vulnerability in my writing as I describe how I have overcome cancer, MS, and other difficulties of life.

I received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene University in 1999 and a Master’s of Science in Science Education from Montana State University in 2017.

I understand how life rarely goes as planned and I am adept at finding a way through those difficulties. I have lived in southwest Idaho with my husband since 1996. I enjoy spending time with my 2 amazing daughters. I do everything in my power to stay active. Exercise and health are priorities in my day and I won’t miss an opportunity for some stand-up paddle boarding. Since 2007, my family has been vacationing in Newport, Oregon where I run on the beach and surf the waves as long as they aren’t too big and the sharks stay clear.

https://janellelarae.com
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