Christmas Music

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Actually, it's been beginning for months now. I'm used to the trees and Santas and wreaths and candy canes showing up before Thanksgiving. I'm sure the stores, in the goodness of their mercenary hearts, just don't want us to forget that it's coming. Ho! Ho! Ho! But now, by 4:00 on Halloween afternoon, store employees are dumping the unsold candy into bins marked 50% off, and filling the shelves with cards, ornaments and, of course, Christmas candy. Occasionally, I'll run into a fully decorated tree and gift display shortly after Labor Day. It makes my head spin. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! But not until I've finished my shopping, please. People drive like they're the only ones on the road as it is. Snow makes them homicidal. Actually, it would be great if the snow could wait until everyone has arrived for their holiday visit. It spoils the fun if I'm worried whether someone's going to be stranded at the airport. Or in their car, for that matter. Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe hold off until all my guests have made it safely back to their own homes. I love them all dearly, but at some point, enough is enough. We three kings of Orient are, the little drummer boy, Santa Claus is coming to town, Jolly old St. Nicholas (have you two ever met?). It would be lovely if you all stopped in and joined us for some eggnog and freshly baked cookies. Maybe a carol or two. Then I'm afraid you'll have to move on. I don't mean to sound ungracious, but I can't offer you accommodations. I have a medium-size house and it will be full of family. There'll be no room at the inn, so to speak. Here we come a-wassailing. Excuse me? What is that? Is it legal? Should I be doing it at my age? It's the most wonderful time of the year! YES! Yes, it is! In spite of all the fuss and craziness, and because of it! Jingle bells, jingle bells, time to jingle on my way.