Archives at Zinester: Starfish: Decorating our Way into the Spirit of Christmas, Kathy Whirity. Starfish:. Writing

I don't know about you but it doesn't take much to get me in the Christmas spirit. Most years all it takes is the smell of burning leaves, in the September air, and I'm in the garage organizing which of the overstuffed boxes to haul in first. If I had my way I'd light up with the falling of the Autumn leaves , and as soon as the pumpkins were trashed I'd line up the winter decor. But, when a husband, who never asks for much, asks you to wait till after Thanksgiving before decking the halls and walls, the least I can do is respect his wishes.

So...there was no Christmas tree shining brightly from our front window before Thanksgiving. I kept my promise not to trim the tree before I trimmed the turkey. The boxes, filled with holiday keepsakes, stood ready and waiting to be unpacked - after Thanksgiving.

This year Bill, himself the elf, had a plan to christen our new home with nothing but white lights. In years past, Bill's hand at decorating turned our old gray sided house into the look and feel of a gingerbread house. The house never looked as good as when it was all dressed up for Christmas. This year, the address hasn't changed but the look sure has, for now our brand new home is made of red brick.

Bill's vision must've gotten blurred by all the white lights. One evening he came in and announced that the front of the house needed a little Christmas color. Out from the garage came two plastic teddy bears we bought years ago when the girls were small. Back then we called them Jaime bear and Katie bear and the girls would laugh with glee. Perhaps they're too old to think that's cute anymore, but perched on our new porch - a Christmas memory.

Next came the elves, followed by the North Pole sign that use to stand so proudly on the front porch step.

No gingerbread men this year for they were a part of a scene created for a home that shall never be duplicated, only fondly remembered in our hearts. And thus begins the real hustle and bustle of the season for us. A beautiful tree with white branches and lights to match was chosen for the center of our display. Of course, the three middle strands of lights didn't go out until AFTER the tree was fully staked into the frozen ground. Finally, after a return trip to the store, and after unpacking and setting up another tree, the twinkling lights are working well, in the midst of our man made mini winter wonderland.

Every year as we drag out the old familiar favorites and mingle them with the new, I'm reminded that the decorations we hang with care are what motivate our merry moods. Judging by the glistening decorations adorning front lawns everywhere, I'd have to say that these dazzling displays are
an awesome sight to behold, a priceless gift for the soul, created by those who want to spread the joy of Christmas.

Ready or not, Christmas will soon be upon us. Each year it seems like people are beginning earlier and earlier to set up their custom Christmas creations for all to enjoy. With time flying by without warning , I wonder if it's to keep the sentiment of the season flowing , magical and bright, for as long as the season allows.

Kathy Whirity

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