It's Beginning to Look a  Lot Like Christmas
 
I recently saw a video online of a woman who throws pumpkins off her deck into the street the day after Halloween - much to the dismay of her children - and then proceeds to decorate her house in a manner befitting the house lighting in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. You do you, as they say. But I for one understand.
 
I know this will ruffle some feathers of those who grouse about holiday decorations in stores appearing before the discounted Halloween costumes have been sold, buy my trees (yep, plural) are up and lighted. I'm dreaming of my wife's gingerbread cookies with that lighter than air frosting made from yeti tears, and Alexa has been playing holiday songs mostly non-stop (Darn you Jimmy Fallon and Meghan Trainor - that song is catchy.)
 
I could say that I do these things so early because I am gone for most of the holiday season singing. Ok, I have said that. And it's true. But mostly, I think I just want to recapture some magical Christmas that never was. It's a conglomeration of memories, Hallmark movies, my girl's enthusiasm, midnight services, magical toy stores, legendary carols and traditions that have no shelf-life. So is it hope or nostalgia or a desire for a time that probably didn't perfectly resemble my perfect recollections? 
 
I am not certain. 
 
But when I am a legislator at some point  - and I have a less than zero desire to be this - I'm going to pass a resolution to make an official "1/2 holiday" in July. We'll turn the air conditioners on full blast and throw the remaining snowballs we've kept in the freezer. I'll shout, "Are you with me?" as I shoot off leftover Fourth of July fireworks.  Some of you will ring bells in agreement. Others will throw those bells at me. But either way, the merry sound of a tinkling bell will ring in my ears (Polar Express reference, anyone?), and I for one will keep chasing the the sound and spirit of Christmas.