Are you Ready for the Countdown?

My youngest brother was born on December 28th. This was good news for my Mother but bad news for him. He never got what so many of us took for granted — a separate day to celebrate his birthday and a separate day to celebrate Christmas.

Instead, he got what we always called the Colossal Compromise. A separate day to celebrate his birthday AND Christmas. Just for him. Which sounded good in practice. Except it was a major disappointment on all fronts.

As we approach the end of this holiday season, I find myself reflecting on my brother’s 33 years of celebrations. This particular year, this particular week, this particular newsletter is a Colossal Compromise. Because Christmas is finished, and it’s still a few days before the New Year chimes at midnight.

I have nothing profound to share this week, and yet I feel the need to wave across the miles. Perhaps you are putting the decorations away and readying your abode for a New Year’s party. Possibly, you are suffering from too many leftovers. Or maybe you are travelling from pillar to post. With little sleep, little warmth and too much anxiety.

Whatever you’re up to, whether it’s a beautiful or troubling time, remember that the week will end soon enough. So take a moment to appreciate the downtime, the family time, and all the Colossal Compromises you may find your good self in. Whatever ‘back to normal’ means, it will be here soon enough, come next week.