November

The rain arrived on Halloween night and fell steadily and heavily into this dark and dreary Sunday. Despite the extra hour of sleep, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open this morning and couldn't resist the pull of my big red sofa.

The Girl needed to get supplies for a science project so she and I ventured out to A.C. Moore Crafts this afternoon. We dodged puddles as we crossed the slick black pavement on our way to the potpourri-scented air behind those heavy doors. It is not an attractive store, but we love to come here and soak in all the potential for creativity looming under the stark fluorescent lights.

This is America, so we weren't surprised that on the first day of November, all things Christmas had taken center stage in the merchandising of the front of the store. Christmas music was being piped into every corner, and normally this annoys me, but much to my surprise I didn't mind.

OK, I admit it, I was ENJOYING the music--the very same music that I ban from my own home until days before Christmas. Was it the deep gray of the day? My fuzzy red sweater? The sense of happy possibility that I always feel in art stores? I don't know, but the Girl I both felt glimmers of Christmas spirit, even with the fall leaves still lingering on the trees.

I came home and thought about Christmas cards and family photos and things I might make, things I might give. It made the gathering gloom outside my windows a bit less oppressive.

To be honest, some years Christmas preparations have felt more like a demanding second job to me than a celebration. Maybe this year will be different--lighter, happier, freer. Let's hope so.

Comments

[Kelby]

You realize....you're one of us now. Next year, your tree will go up November 1st and then your transformation will be complete. LOL

We're bummed because we need a couple of new strings of lights and for the first time in forever, Walmart does not have them on the shelves yet. I'll never let this happen again. I'm hitting the after-Christmas sales and getting lots of extra lights so there hopefully be no decorating delay next year. Our halls are supposed to be fully decked right now. Oy.

[V-Grrrl]

We don't deck the halls until the first weekend in December, but I may get in the spirit by making some cards. : )

[Jannie Funster]

Beautiful post! Puts me in a mood of possible Christmas cheer too.

Maybe after school today I'll take My Girl and we too can revel in craft store possibilities. Just relax unrushedly, enjoying each other and the day. I've been rushing her around too much lately.

Yeah!

[impy]

V, the SAME thing has been happening to me! To my daughter, to my friends. This is what I think. I think this has been a long, hard, difficult year for the world. For America, and for the people I know. My brother-in law and family lost a home they built. He had such an incredible reduction in hours/pay, they could no longer afford it. They have worked out a plan, are far happier in a new/150 year old home, and now have no mortgage payment. Everything is so careful, budgeted for some. I think collectively we need some cheer. Some good will. Something bright and happy to look forward to. I am not thinking this year of just the shopping, the money spent, as well as the happy faces. I am dreaming of the tree, baking cookies, the smells, the love, the decorations. I probably sound like a loon. I'm sorry. I remember this Little House on the Prairie movie. I have never forgotten it. There was some wicked snow storm at Christmas and the man who came with gifts wasn't able to make it thru. Caroline had made the girls mittens. Red ones. Maybe something else little, not sure. The girls opened the packages from their parents,,,,,wait! Yes it was a cup. They got mittens and a cup. Anyhow, they were so incredibly grateful, thrilled, happy with that. He did make it, finally, covered in snow and ice. He brought sticks of candycanes for the kids, and sugar for Caroline. I know it's just tv. But I believe there was a time, that the sheer joy of the season, other reasons, and a thankfulness for a hand made, simplistic gift was not an oddity. That's how I feel this year. Grateful. For everything. For nothing. For Christmas.

[V-Grrrl]

Impy,

I read that whole series of books aloud to my children when they were small and remember the holiday stories fondly. They were all about being together, simple gifts, and pleasures. There were harrowing times and many years when families lost members, lost crops, lost everything it seemed. Laura really had a very difficult life but focused on the bright moments.

2008 was very hard for us but yes, we came out of that year with a clear sense of what really mattered. Last Christmas we were still recovering from all we'd been through and feeling unsettled. This year has been less traumatic and we've let go of last year's disappointments. The Man won't be traveling this holiday season like he normally does, so yes, I'm just grateful we'll all be together and looking forward to little things and our holiday traditions.

[Chris]

I hope this year is different for you... me too. I find myself getting spun up about Thanksgiving and Christmas because my plate is already too full with the needs of kids and life.

I like the changes you've made to your blog. It's easier to see the type. Looks great!

[Di]

I hope you have happier lighter freer too. The Christmas markets are going up here ... both in Berlin and Antwerpen. Autumn is hanging on but I have to confess, I'm thinking of Christmas already, it's unavoidable here but then again, they go early with Sinter Klaus.

I wish you the very best of things as you prepare for Christmas, my lovely friend.
xxo