� 2001-2006 by Shiloh
�
My favorite season...Summer. Aaah, the glorious days when the Earth is alive and verdant with growing things--animals and plants alike. The sun bathes everything with its hot golden rays, sapping energy and sending the human creatures to seek shade on a front porch or in the shadow of huge trees while they swing and drink iced tea or ice-cold lemonade or snooze in a hammock. Others seek out the beach to get the perfect tan or that righteous wave crucial for an awesome surfing experience. Their young can be seen near the surf with buckets and shovels, either constructing sandcastles or digging for seashells. And let's not forget the ice cream lovers who keep those illustrious parlors open on especially hot days.
But alas, the lazy, memorable, fun days of Summer always fade into the crisp coolness of Autumn. And Autumn's delightful, colorful changes always freeze and wither away into Winter's frigid coldness and long nights all too soon. But it is during this time of year, this dreary white and gray time that we have another season. A season of hope. A season of peace.
Christmas. Or Yuletide, for those who celebrate in the Old Way. An old year wanes; a new year waxes strong. The Holly King is defeated by the Oak King and dies. In the midst of bleak darkness a hope is reborn. A light is rekindled.
It is during this cold, dark time that humankind softens, remembers its fellow man and wishes peace and good will to all. People smile and are usually full of good cheer. It is a magical season full of life, love and giving. Children anticipate Santa's visit, while adults look forward to spending time with loved ones. Hot chocolate and wassail and other holiday treats are made and enjoyed. Snowmen or ladies grace a yard here and there after having been rolled, pushed and stacked into being with carefree joy and laughter.
But as all seasons do, this one passes into the next and time marches on. Life goes on.
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