I have generally greeted that period after Halloween and before, say December 15th, with grudging acceptance. Grudging acceptance of those who would hasten the impending holidays, with lights, trees, Christmas music, ect. . .
It's not like I have had a 'Bah, Humbug' attitude. Not at all. It's just that it has always seemed WAY too early to see holiday decorations sprouting up in early November. After all, once Halloween is in the rear view mirror, there are still nearly 7 weeks before Christmas arrives.
However, this year there is an ever so subtle change brewing somewhere in the inner reaches of this dad's soul. I still think it is too early for the full on holiday barrage of everything red, white, and green. But this year there is a noticeable lack of disdain for those who would hang out the icicle lights right after Halloween or put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. It is a softening of the spirit that seems to correspond to the multi-faceted softening of the man.
Don't get me wrong. There will be no tree in this house before December 15th. The holiday music will stay on the shelf until then as well and the gift purchasing will most assuredly be last minute as it always seems to be. Rather, It's the spirit of the whole season that seems to have taken a festive new hold in me this year.
Of course, this is in no small part due to the fact that Lukas will be a year and a half old this Christmas, and for the first time will be aware that things are interesting and different around the house. I look forward to sharing all this with him, as well as sharing the spirit of giving that also comes along with all the decorations.
So, to those neighbors planning to decorate with adandon on the morning of Nov 28th, I say "Bring it on!" Just leave the giant, blow-up, holiday themed Scooby Doo in it's box and out of the front yard.
Please!
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9 comments:
Next year will be even better. It does get a little fun again with the addition of the kids.
It is still a big hassle, but there is nothing lik ethe knock at the door at 4 am with him saying,
"Is it Christmas yet!"
The whole November 1 start of 'you must spend lots of money to prove you love everyone' season drives me nuts.
But I have to say, the thought of the excitement I can just about remember from my younger years is very enticing.
We're all about the tacky inflatables. Our giant snowman will be going out on December 1st.
I don't like the family aspect of Christmas, but hate the commercialism.
Careful not to peak too early! Christmas is all about pacing yourself.
And what's with Scooby Doo's connection to Christmas? Don't people know it's Santa's birthday?
Drives me nuts!!!
@MTAE - I can't wait. Really. This is the fun time.
@Xbox - Not having the TV helps with avoiding the whole comercialism thing.
@Rob - Snowmen are more acceptable. But Scooby? Not so much.
@Ed - Definitely pacing ourselves here. Still havn't taken down the Halloween stuff yet. Tomorrow!
@1stimedad - Ah, man. You could catch a lot of flack for that comment. LOL!
I have to say that this year is the first year in many that we are looking forward to decorating and just the overall "festivities" of Christmas! I do have to say that I am going to be one of those CrAzY November 28th people!!! YEE HAA!
For the most part I am with you here. Except that I revel in the time between Halloween and Turkey day. That is when I prepare my stomach for the feast.
After Turkey however, that is when the gauntlet is thrown down. The music is out, the decorations come to life and the tree. Oh yes the tree. It will be mine.
@Mandy - Looking forward to it as well. It will be fun! Btw, I can't open a comment box at your site anymore. I'll try to shoot you and email about it as well.
@DC - You will have a two week head start on me then! You may need that fitness challenge after all that Turkey you are talking about.
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