“Uhh it’s snowing” I texted Chris in his business school capsule “on November 8.”
At lake level, it had been raining but as we ascended the hill, I could distinguish the unexpected floating specks among the cold drops. The ratios flipped and I heard “mommy it’s snowing!” from the backseat. “Mommy, it’s Christmas!” My three-year-old hawed a Jim Carey’s rich man laugh then corrected himself, “No. Leaves on trees. Not Christmas yet… Its snowing!”
We drove by bright red trees with snow awkward on their branches. We passed jackelanterns with mouths full of white powder. I smiled at my son’s exuberance more than at my own. My childlike giddiness was haunted by a bit of disappointment. Snow a week after Halloween? I parked to stare at two decorated houses on opposite street corners, one inviting me in for more Halloween candy corn and the other hanging candy canes.
What season is it again? I am accustomed to long anticipation and delayed hopes between the last leaf fall and first snowfall. Am I such a creature of habit that I dislike beautiful interruption? I used to thrive on surprise. But this is bombardment. Winter, it’s not your turn yet. Back up.
Honestly, my disappointment surprised me. And for the self evaluating journal entry that followed, I postponed my appointment with the dishes. I may share those pages with you soon. But for now, as I usher in the season of cheer, I have to decide whether or not to turn on the Christmas music. No. Not yet.
When do you start listening to Christmas music? Answer with a comment.
