celebrating

 The first day of November. I knew it was coming, have known for months, years even, but still came as a surprise. Seems a bit early for some reason. Take down the spooky decorations, toss the Jack O Lanterns in the woods for the animals to eat and make room for the Pilgrims. Or are we not supposed to welcome those pilgrims anymore? I heard that Halloween was an evil holiday and should be banned. I've been hearing how the Pilgrims destroyed the entire north American continent, well except for Cananda maybe. They do celebrate Thanksgiving but in October and the Canadiens didn't invite the Natives that lived there so there are some differences. Well, see what happens when you try to be nice. We invited them for dinner and now they blame everything on us. They surely aren't very thankful! That's when they aren't blaming the Italian guy, Columbus, that is. 

  November used to be just Thanksgiving to me. There were no birthdays in my family in that month or other big events. That changed on November 19th, 1984. It was on that day I married my wonderful wife. That is my Thanksgiving Day! I am thankful for her every day. Still there is this tradition of celebrating what we call Thanksgiving. I have to laugh about all the discussion surrounding this event in recent years. It is a far cry from what we were told in school. The picture painted was certainly quite a bit different than today's images. Today facts are getting in the way of a great story. I can't help but think we were all happier with the story back in the day. Ah, Pilgrims and Pies. It would seem over the years we have all become one big family however, we are certainly bickering like one at the Thanksgiving dinner table! I want this, that is mine, and you're wrong about that. 

  I was at the store yesterday and there were Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving decorations, fall decorations and of course Christmas decorations. Each one running into the other in a giant mish-mash of holiday cheer. Yes, Happy New Year was among the crowd. I'm not so certain the Easter Bunny wasn't there somewhere, perhaps hanging out with St. Patrick. It was all a reminder of how fast time appears to be moving. It is a common thing for us "senior" people to say. Time does speed up as your time gets shorter. It's like a roll of toilet paper, same principle. That's why I buy toilet paper in the large packages! It just gives me a sense of security. Don't laugh, you will understand all too well one day. It's that mystic knowledge that makes us seniors smile and laugh.

  I am a little excited to get a live tree this year. For some years we have had a small artificial tree on a tabletop. That changed last year when I did get a real tree. I love the smell of the pine and it brings back memories. The plan this year is to use only handmade decorations, with the exception of my Angel tree topper which has been with us since 1984. Oh, that little Angel has been through a lot, not even making an appearance on some years, but she remains. A testament to time. I figure I've got about six weeks to get my decor ready for that tree. I don't get my tree too early for several reasons, the least being it dries out and becomes a fire hazard. I plan on making a popcorn chain and a paper chain. My wife has crocheted little stockings that will be hung on the tree. This year she is crocheting snowflakes. But here I go planning ahead rushing into the season. Christmas number seventy is just around the corner. I need to slow down a bit. I've got a turkey to roast first. Well right after I celebrate my anniversary that is. Thirty-nine years ago, she said yes. It was a wise decision, if I don't say so myself.