It's December. Yes, I know it's been December already for three days now, but the point is, it's still December. And December has taken me by surprise. How did it get to be December so soon? Wasn't it just July a few days ago?

It's not that I have anything against December. I like Decembers, for the most part. I could do without the inevitable rain, true, but I like the cold weather and the way I can see my breath at night. I like having warm flannel sheets on the bed, and finding excuses to curl back deep under the covers with books and cats and maybe some coffee. July doesn't lend itself to snuggling. So when it comes to the weather, it's nice that it's December.

But still, somehow the last few months flew by far too fast. I know the reason – I remember losing track of time while working for both the Big and Little Fish. Being on the road does that to a person. Living out of a suitcase in a strange hotel room can really make you lose perspective on a lot of things.

It's not Christmas that's the issue. I'm actually ahead of the game for that particular holiday, since we've already got over half the Christmas shopping done. And I'm not worried at all about getting everything else done – shopping, baking, Christmas cards – because I know that this week marks the last time I have to go away on business for the rest of the year. There's a lot to do, and our weekends are already filling up, with choir practices for the cantata, and outings with friends and family. But all of that I'm actually looking forward to.

It's just that it's December. Suddenly December. And somehow I wasn't expecting it so soon.

Once again I am taking part in Holidailies, and have thus made the commitment to try to post every day this month. You can find guaranteed reading material from all of us participating at the Holidailies portal.