Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Blurring of the Seasons

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:

heelers said...

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

Anonymous said...

Hear, hear. Well said, as usual. What a wonderful mix of Sandhiller Sense and beautifully crafted words you give us......A Friend in Nevada

Genevieve Netz said...

I will grant you an exception, James. It is a beautiful poem. I read it a few weeks ago.

Genevieve Netz said...

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.

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CONTENTMENT: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry, live simply, expect little, give much, sing often, pray always, forget self, think of others and their feelings, fill your heart with love, scatter sunshine. These are the tried links in the golden chain of contentment.
(Author unknown)

IT IS STILL BEST to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasure; and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong.
(Laura Ingalls Wilder, 1867-1957)

Thanks for reading.