This is the time of year when the days get cold, gray and dreary. And the list of all the upcoming holiday activities and commitments increases each day. It’s a time when we’re rushing around more then usual and tempers have a tendency to be shorter then usual too. Well… there’s a way to escape the holiday madness… if only for a little while.
A Club dance. It’s a time when you can relax from the craziness by dancing with friends and enjoying some different (and sometimes homemade) goodies. During the winter season, most Clubs have a holiday celebration dance, and some have dinner dances. It’s just nice to be in the festive atmosphere and enjoy it. Yes, it was something extra to prepare, and yes, maybe you did need to find some real square dance clothes, but once you get there, those concerns disappear and the friends, music, calling and dancing take over. Everyone can talk with each other and hear about each other’s plans and activities. We can just forget about our own cares for awhile. At the end of the evening, we’ll wish each other a good holiday season and New Year. And we’ll feel refreshed as we get back to our own affairs.
Besides all of the rushing and tasks to do, I think this time of year also brings back memories of past years – maybe thoughts of your childhood and the special gift you got one year. Or times spent with our extended families – maybe you took a trip one year to celebrate with Grandparents or Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Or just the time decorating the house and the smell of baking that made its way through out your home. Or maybe you help to make the holiday a little brighter for those less fortunate – and that’s become part of your memories. I’m sure not all of your memories have been the storybook kind, but it’s my hope for you that the good memories outweigh the bad and that this year will be a good year.
I also want to remind you that the winter season brings the possibility of wintery weather and driving problems. Keep in mind that if your club dances at a school, if the weather requires the school to close early, or be closed for the day, there will be no dance that evening – and possibly the weekend, if it’s closed on a Friday. If your club dances at another type of facility, check on their bad weather policy, and relay it to your club members. If it’s questionable, call the club President, or manager, or maybe the caller – because there’s never a dance without them.
I extend my warm wishes to all of you for a Happy Holiday Season with family and friends. And blessings for a Happy and Healthy New Year!