A little something for everyone this month

Kathleen Anderson

The Sage Connection

Of puppies, hope and healing

The holiday season continues. Today is the Winter Solstice – another favorite of mine since it signals the beginning of more light and less darkness.

This means I can keep my eyes open a few more minutes each day. When it gets dark by 4:30, I feel 6:30 is a perfectly acceptable bedtime. I also have trouble seeing in the dark, so I tend to hibernate at home during the long nights. Come summer, I can be out and about until 9:30, and I feel like a teenager again.

Sunday, my household will celebrate Christmas. We will have a housefull this year, to which we are all looking forward. Our holiday neighborhood gathering took place last weekend – the first in three years.

Others have already begun Hanukkah with the lighting of candles each night. Kwanza celebrations start on December 26 and last until January 1.

But these holidays, my friends, are not the only things celebrated in December. This is a very busy month! According to The Spruce, a website dedicated "to help you make your best home," there is a celebration for every day of the month. So those with no religious beliefs or cultural connections need not feel left out.

For instance, did you know…

December 1:

• Rosa Parks Day
• World AIDS Day
• Eat a Red Apple Day
• National Pie Day

December 2:

• Special Education Day
• National Mutt Day

All the way down to today, December 21:

• First Day of Winter/Winter Solstice (date varies)
• Crossword Puzzle Day
• Look on the Bright Side Day
• National Flashlight Day
• Hambug Day
• Forefathers' Day

And if you don't see a favorite holiday that appeals to you listed here, feel free to make up your own. After all, who ever heard of National Flashlight Day?

We are seriously considering celebrating December 11 at our house National Bella Rose Appreciation Day.

That was the day she came to live with us and since she is the most intelligent puppy in the world, celebrating her arrival seems logical.

By day three she had mastered the doggie door and immediately proceeded to potty train herself. She has not gone in the house once and I haven't taken her outside since day three.

So, my friends, celebrate your hearts out this month (especially on National Bacon Day, December 30).

Happy Holidays to one and all.

Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia.  Contact her at  kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below.