This year the holiday season hasn’t quite felt real.  Perhaps it’s the lack of Christmas decorations, wrapping and exchanging of presents, or a family vacation.  The sense of festiveness and warmth just hasn’t struck me this time around despite the celebrations I see going on around me.  Instead, I’m spending some quiet, peaceful time with Panda.  It’s nice in its own way, but it’s something to get used to – soon enough, Panda and I will be creating our own little traditions that make this time of year special to us.

For so long now, this was the time of year that my parents and I got together pretty much without fail.  Whether I flew out to China, they came here, or we all went somewhere new, my dad always figured out a nice little vacation for us.  We’ve enjoyed some wonderful breaks as a family and it’s definitely a major reason why this year it doesn’t feel like it’s that season already.  Plus, it’s one of the rare times when I don’t actually “take” a vacation.  My days don’t change much and I’m still doing much of what I was earlier this month.  There is no traditional work or school to get away from, or crazy schedules to pause.  And so this year feels decidedly less exciting.

Of course, there are still some festivities planned that have yet to come, including a trip to Vegas and a day at Knott’s Berry Farm with Panda’s family.  Also, there are some old friends to meet up with while we’re all in town!  While the past week has been quiet and relaxing, this last week of the year will pick up a faster pace.  Before we know it, 2013 will be upon us and I do look forward to what it will bring.  I have plenty of ideas and I’ve got to get motivated to push forward with some.  Might as well join the pack and set some solid resolutions to help push me along.

I got a wonderful fortune cookie that says: “Your work interests can capture the highest status or prestige.”  Yes, please!  It’s time to make that happen in 2013!