Do you know what day it is? 

I still have a problem remembering. This has been a problem ever since we began staying at home those many months ago. Our routines changed. We shopped for groceries online. Church services, study and social groups started meeting online. The usual markers of time were missing.

Our neighborhood’s end-of-summer Antique Faire was cancelled. The first day of school was anticlimactic because it was virtual, too. Here in California, the weather stayed hot in September and October, and it felt like August never ended.

Yet, time marched on as it always does. 

Yesterday, we pulled up our tomato vines. It was time, but I mourned the loss of that steady stream of sweet little tomatoes that dotted our salads and mingled with avocado and garlic on crusty bread. Gradually, I am adjusting to the idea that winter is coming.

My youngest hates the shortening days and the darkness that comes with this change of season. But I find my pulse quickens when I think of the upcoming holidays. They won’t be exactly the same. Our typically small Thanksgiving feast will find only three people around the table this year. Still, the holidays provide those familiar markers that I’ve been missing.

There will be traditional foods. The challenge of decorating — Where did we put this last year? Memories tied to each precious ornament. Twinkly lights. Greenery. The smell of cinnamon. We’ll mark the days of Advent – the celebration, anticipation, and promise all bundled up in the person of Jesus. 

We’ll snuggle under blankets on the couch. We’ll stuff ourselves with stuffing and gravy and PIE – not necessarily at the same time. 

We will slow our pace. 

Expectant.

Waiting. 

How do you welcome winter?