Is it the End? Or the Beginning?

Right now so many of my friends are mourning the end of summer. They miss the freedom of fewer clothes, dips in the pool, and warm summer nights. With mosquitos. And sunburn, and overheated bodies. That's my take on summer, anyway. Since I was a little girl I looked forward to the end of summer each year. Yes, I did enjoy the very beginning. No school, no homework, and no tests to sweat through. But within a few weeks I was sick to death of the heat and humidity, was sunburned to a crisp, and covered with mosquito bites.

On the other hand, autumn is the time I really come alive. Yes, I know everything is dying, but I'm just beginning to wake up. Cool, crisp air, pumpkins, jeans and sweatshirts. I just love all the things that go with fall. Plus autumn is the beginning of all my favorite holidays. Halloween used to be great when I dressed and up collected enough candy to keep my dentist in high priced clothing for another year. Now that I'm—ahem—older, I don't dress up or collect candy. I get my joy from giving candy out at my front door to the urchins who hold out their bags, eyes bright, ready to race to the next house before their porch light goes out. Thanksgiving is without a doubt my favorite holiday. It's not about stress and gifts, it's about food and family. Nothing beats the smell of turkey roasting in the oven while I take a long walk. The sound of leaves crunching under my feet is soothing. I love tradition, something that our new, modern, internet world is fast losing. That's why my traditional Thanksgiving dinner is traditional. Except last year when I had foot surgery and we ordered from KFC. Yes, I know. You don't have to say it—my son has said it all—many times over. Turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, string bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Sure doesn't get any better than that. Well, maybe it does get better when I bring out the apple and pumpkin pies. Christmas has been slowly losing favor with me. Too much stress, overspending, bells ringing, and barkers calling. But I do have my favorite movies, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", "A Christmas Story", "Christmas Vacation", just to name a few. And books that I read to my children when they were little that I still read to myself.

But if I can dismiss all the hoopla, and focus on the happiness of the Season, and time shared with friends and family, it makes for a more cheerful Christmas for me. This year, my family, all seven of us—including the new grandbabies—will travel to the east coast to spend the holiday week with my extended family. That I am really looking forward to! But in any event, I am thankful to have friends and family to share this time of the year with. Hopefully, you have the same. Happy Autumn!

USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton writes both Western Historical and Regency romance with "historic elements and sensory details" (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, and daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. She is also the proud grandmother of twin grandsons. Callie loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website, or write her directly.