December is upon us, and it’s the season of giving.

It’s also the season of frozen fingers, burned tongues, and a disgusting layer of melted slush covering the road.

I’m not a fan of the cold, this is no secret. And lately, in the past year, I’ve found that it’s possible to be cold year round, not just in the blustery months of winter. You see, being “cold” comes in many different forms, and I’ve realized that sometimes, the people and thoughts you surround yourself with can cause your teeth to rattle just as much as the negative windchill.

If I had it my way, I’d live in a pure sunshine state of peace on a tropical island with all of the tame, friendly jungle animals. But I don’t know which is more unrealistic; the peace or the animals.

It seems as if we humans can’t seem to hang on to even the crumbling pizza-crust-edge of peace before something comes alongs and breaks it in half. Between upcoming final exams, mistakes, regrets, things that have been said, things that have been left unsaid, decisions of the future, and the rushing stress to find the perfect gifts, I need more than a few extra marshmallows in my hot cocoa this holiday season.

The harsh, nose-reddening gusts have knocked me off my feet in the past few weeks, but it’s time for me to grab a Kleenex, a knitted scarf, and start rolling with the punches.

December isn’t supposed to be about the overwhelming weather and stress, it’s about finding the peace of mind to push you through the holiday season and into the new year. It’s about trying your hardest to find the right-sized winter jacket for those cold shoulders in your life. It’s about overcoming and braving the flakes, and even building a few snowmen while you’re at it. And most importantly, it’s about hiding how many cups of hot chocolate and espresso you had before noon.

Gotta do what you gotta do.

Best,

Maddie Rheinheimer