There’s something magical about the month of December that I’ve always held close. I know, I know — plenty of people groan the moment the sun dips below the horizon a little earlier each day.

The darkness settles over our Valley like a heavy blanket, stretching itself across the late afternoons and swallowing up the evenings before we’re even ready. But me? I love it.

I can’t quite explain it, except to say that this season brings a comfort that feels almost ancient — like it’s woven into the way my bones grew up learning the world. And listen, I’m someone who loves brightness. My home is dressed in white and light gray walls, anything that reflects rather than absorbs. I want the lights on, the shadows gone, nothing lurking around the edges to distort my view or distract my focus. But December? December is different.

These darker months feel like the moon is handing out permission slips. Permission to soften. Permission to slow our pace just a little. Permission to see beyond the checklist and into what actually matters. It’s as if the world tilts and whispers, “Hey, it’s okay to do things earlier… and linger longer.” We’re still productive, sure — but in an entirely different way. Less rigid. More human.

And let’s talk about our Valley for a moment, because oh my goodness, do we know how to decorate. Lights everywhere — inside, outside, wrapped around trees, lining rooftops, dancing on porches. A simple drive down 224 suddenly becomes an experience. Wander any of our downtowns — Salem, Columbiana, Warren, Youngstown or the dozens of other pockets of charm we’re lucky to claim — and there it is: Cheer stitched into every corner. It makes the cold worth braving, worth bundling up for, worth stepping into instead of shying away from.

One of my favorite things? Driving through neighborhoods to see the homes participating in the traditions they grew up with.

Some are simple. Some are elaborate displays synced perfectly to music, like the homeowners transformed into conductors orchestrating a symphony of color. It’s a reminder that people show love and joy in the ways they know how — and that is something worth celebrating.

And then there’s the absolute permission — the okayness — of curling up on the couch with those familiar holiday movies and shows that amplify this time of year even more. Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest with intention.

Of course, we can’t ignore the other side of December. The stress. The rush. The frantic search for the perfect gift. The pressure to bake enough cookies to feed five zip codes. The customer service moments that test our patience in ways only December can. It happens to all of us… but we get to decide what we focus on.

If baking mountains of cookies isn’t your thing — don’t.

If buying an overwhelming amount of gifts makes your chest tighten — don’t.

I didn’t grow up with overabundances.

Not nothing, trust me I had more than enough, but certainly nothing excessive. We didn’t go on big trips or get the priciest gifts. And yet, this season was still pure magic for me. Actually, I believe that is the very reason why this season still means so much to me. I loved piling into the car with my mom, driving for hours just to look at lights. I was always so excited to go downtown Youngstown to see the ice sculptors — watching artists transform frozen blocks into something breathtaking right before my eyes. Those memories didn’t cost a thing, but they shaped everything.

So this December, I hope you enjoy the things that are free and priceless all at once — the grace to spend time with friends and family, the lights that brighten even the coldest nights, the markets, the parades, the community, the shared joy.

And remember…from me to you — keep going, keep glowing, and keep giving yourself the grace you deserve.

Mother, author, entrepreneur and founder of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick wants to hear your story. Share memories with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.