Each holiday in its own time
At one Hopkinsville store this week, autumn and Halloween stick figures were displayed side by side with Christmas decorations. The blurring of the seasons irritates me. Scarecrows, witches, Christmas trees, reindeer, and snowmen do not belong together.
And where's Thanksgiving? Doesn't it deserve its own yard art? I'm vaguely offended.
It's still October, and I am not done with the rituals of autumn. I don't want to jump into Christmas before the jack-o-lanterns have been carved or the pumpkin pies baked. The garden hose and the tomato cages still must be stored away. We need to check the antifreeze in our vehicles. We should stack some firewood on the porch, and the chimney has to be cleaned. I want to put on a sweatshirt and rake some leaves.
The trees are not confused. They are dressed in autumn's proper colors, and they're wearing them with dignity. They are not rushing into the next season before it's time. I'm going to follow their example and wait for nature to change the season. When the last leaves have fallen, and the days are cold and short, I'll be ready for the glitter and lights of Christmas. And that will happen soon enough.
4 comments:
Nice one Gen.
Lovely evocations of the seasons too even in your passing references.
I feel a little guilty, I've already published a Christmas poem.
James
Hear, hear. Well said, as usual. What a wonderful mix of Sandhiller Sense and beautifully crafted words you give us......A Friend in Nevada
I will grant you an exception, James. It is a beautiful poem. I read it a few weeks ago.
Friend, I like things done as they should be and in the right order. This requirement sometimes makes me and those around me a little crazy.
Post a Comment