Not everyone is singing happily along with those Staples Business Depot commercials, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I hate this time of year.

I’m sad to see the end of summer, my favourite season. It has such a defined end (Labour Day, no matter what the calendar says about Sept. 23 being the first day of fall), whereas winter always seems to go on forever. I love the sun. I love not having to rush out the door in the morning, although there’s not usually much sleeping in — having a dog still gets me up early. I love being able to take rambling walks and still get back in time to shower and get to work for 9 a.m. I love being able to take a break by going for a swim.

With summer fading, there’s less sunlight, and shorter days are already evident. Now it’s back to short, defined walks so we can get Son #2 out the door in time for school. Making lunches or reminding him to make his lunches. Trying to get him to bed earlier (ha!) so mornings aren’t as rushed.

It could be worse, I suppose. In many states, kids have been back to school for weeks.