October: Transitions and Traditions

​It’s hard to believe that today is Tuesday, 1st October. Every year, I find myself saying the same thing: how quickly the year has flown by. This year has been particularly significant, with my daughter moving in with me. It’s been a welcome change, and I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together. While it looks like we won’t be moving house before Christmas, I’m optimistic that we will make that transition next year.

This marks her fourth week of college, and I’m pleased to report that she’s doing exceptionally well. Despite the long days, spending about 11 hours out of the house for classes and travel, she hasn’t complained once. Her resilience has been impressive, and it’s reassuring to see her adapting to this new routine. College is such a big step, and I’m proud of how she’s handling this transition. It’s also made me think about how quickly time flies; it feels like just yesterday she was starting secondary school, and now she’s navigating the challenges of college life.

As for Halloween, I find myself without any plans this year. Living in a village means we rarely get trick-or-treaters, and it seems the trend of Halloween celebrations has been declining in the UK over the years. It’s odd to think about how different things were not so long ago when it felt like every child in the neighbourhood would be out in their costumes. The excitement in the air around Halloween has noticeably dwindled, and I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.

The shops are already overflowing with Christmas decorations and gifts, and I can’t help but feel the festive spirit creeping in. It seems that once the first hint of autumn arrives, the retail world jumps straight into the holiday season. While I enjoy the festive atmosphere, it can be overwhelming to see Christmas items out so early. This year, I’m considering putting up a Christmas tree. Usually, I don’t put up a tree or any decorations, but since my daughter is here, it might be nice for her. I’m still contemplating how much effort I want to invest in the decorations.

I’m aiming for a more relaxed approach to the holidays, keeping it simple and stress-free. I’ve made a conscious decision to scale back my Christmas spending this year, focusing only on gifts for immediate family. The frenzy that tends to accompany the holiday season can sometimes lead people to go overboard, resulting in unnecessary expenses and, in some cases, debt.

It’s disheartening to see parents feeling pressured to buy their kids an abundance of toys that often end up forgotten or unused. I think it’s more meaningful to keep things simple and centred around what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones rather than getting caught up in consumerism. This year, I’m aiming for a more relaxed approach to Christmas, one that prioritises experiences over material possessions.

Tonight, I’m looking forward to a relaxed evening. Lately, I’ve found myself enjoying early nights. Well, I should clarify—I’m not necessarily falling asleep early; rather, I’m getting into bed early. I’ve developed a habit of watching YouTube for a couple of hours before I finally drift off. There’s something comforting about the routine of winding down and catching up on videos before sleep. It’s become a nice way to end my day, allowing me to escape into different worlds or learn something new.

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, I find myself appreciating the quieter moments at home. This time of year encourages me to slow down and focus on the little things. While I may not have elaborate plans for the upcoming months, I’m looking forward to the season in my own way. Whether it’s a simple Halloween at home or finally putting up a Christmas tree for my daughter, I’m ready to approach these changes with a focus on what really matters. It’s these everyday moments that add value to our lives, and I’m content to enjoy them as they come.