Christmas State of Mind
I look forward to the first cold winds of November
And the coming of an early snowfall;
Old Man Winter's breath on the back of my neck,
His yearly reminder that I need to unpack my coat and gloves.
There are other reminders. The stores have been decorating
Since sometime in September; stringing lights.
Forklifts and pallet jacks moving stacks of boxes up and down
Newly empty aisles where pool noodles and summer sports once reigned.
I actually like the commercialism promoted by community businesses,
Big box stores, parades, festivals, lights along the main streets.
Kind of like putting on a tie for church services each Sabbath.
Our towns and villages, cities and special places putting on Christmas.
Every year we wish each other peace on Earth, good will toward men,
And sure enough we mean it - those of us who believe in that sort of thing.
We smile at clerks and taxi drivers. We wave at friends we haven't seen for a while,
Ignoring the incongruity between the baby in the manger and Jolly Old Saint Nick.
There is something about the approaching solemnity of winter that invites celebrations
Like Hanukah, Kwanza, Thanksgiving, Bodhi Day, Omisoka, New Years and Christmas.
But Christmas is unmatched for inspiring stories and traditions that go with the season.
Such that even the unbelievers put up Christmas trees, shop for the kids and string up lights.
I love being in that magic place, whether it's sitting by a fire with snow falling
Or stretched out in a folding chair on a beach listening to waves roll up the sand.
My heart and my mind needs that, whatever time of year it happens to be.
Snow or no snow, jingle bell sleighs or jet skis; I need that Christmas state of mind.
© 2024 by Tom King
