Yesssss. As I walked home on Halloween afternoon, I saw the municipal team festooning the main drag with big Christmas lights.

It seemed a bit early. Then again, in our climate perhaps it's easiest to get 'em up before snow flies or ice accumulates.

My neighbor has had his Christmas tree up since the weekend. If I knew him, I'd laugh in his face.

Knock on his door and laugh in his face when he answers.

In our old neighborhood, we had a neighbor who would decorate for Xmas, lights, tree, and all, before Halloween every year, and not take his stuff down till well after Valentine's Day. That was his schedule, and we all got used to it after awhile.

It goes by so quick. I used to be really adamant about "saving" all the Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving. I've mellowed. Life is short, decorations are beautiful, the reminders to feast and celebrate and enjoy one another are most welcome. When I wait until after Thanksgiving it's over so fast, what with work and busy-ness. Nowadays, I'm happy to have more time to anticipate and enjoy.

My new rant, though, is about the quick disappearance of all holiday decorations immediately after Dec. 26th. I just heard someone talking about how during their retail career, they had to stay late on the 24th tearing down wreaths and greenery from the store before going home. There could be no more decorations during the 'after-holiday' sale period. Weird...I'm sure there's a lot of marketing psychology to this, but it's crap. I'd be happy to return to the extended Saturnalia or the 12-nights season of festivity. Let's enjoy, let's slow things down a bit. We don't have to be on some rigid schedule all the time.

The corporate stuff sucks, but hey, if you want to celebrate any holiday in your own happy fashion then go to it.

You can't take the tree down until Three Kings Day, at least! Without the star on top, how will they find their way? it's always been a peeve of mine that people think the twelve days are before Christmas

My Christmas party will not be until January this year, one (really irritating) thing and another.

I do love Christmas here, it's pretty wonderful... but I have to sort of put blinders on when I'm around the corporate elements.

I *am* trying to figure out how to get out of my office do, though. Suggestions?

If I knew him, I'd laugh in his face.

I once knew an older woman that kept her tree up year round. She'd change the ornaments to match the season, but christmas was her favorite. She was one of the sweetest, kindest, most giving people I've ever met.

If it makes the person happy, good for them. The world would be better off with more people like that and less anger, especially at other people.