Spirit of the Season

As the holidays are just around the corner, this is the time where every emotion is abundant for university students, regardless of what level. First are the late nights cramming for exams and papers, the rush to the finish. It's the finality of the semester that suddenly sinks in, there's not a next week anymore. It's also the time where students have the sudden realization of the progression of their academic careers. It is a monumental half way point of the year... and how quickly time passes. Then there is the "what am I doing with my life question" that you have to answer, or at least start thinking about... tis the season.

But it also the time of the year where everyone gets an extra little bounce in their step, there is a sense of excitement and optimism in the air. It is the feeling of Christmas. It's the holiday spirit that is a little contagious. Even through the midst of cramming and rushing from class to class, there is a little time to catch that spirit.

Being in Aberdeen has certainly been a new perspective, or at least one I've long forgotten. There are distinct seasons here, as it just snowed. This is a way to watch the progression of time, seeing sun turn to snow, and the snow uncover the months of hidden ground. This helps to capture the spirit of Christmas somehow. The gentle snow against the lit Christmas tree in the town square, standing as it has for hundreds of years, is a reminder that no matter how quickly time seems to pass, it stands still at the same time. That is what we too must do. Move through life looking to our tomorrows, but keeping a still picture of where we have been and done. That is the spirit of the season.