Previously: Restart, Frankentree
As I write this, my son is in the other room at his computer singing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” over and over again. He must be listening to it on headphones as he does it. And it’s clearly the Bing Crosby version, because he’s doing his very best impression.
I also need to mention that I’m writing this in mid-October. I think that’s an important detail. I’m still trying to get into a proper autumnal, Halloween mindset, and emanating from across the house is a rendition of a 1950s holiday classic.
It’s not much of a surprise to me, really. Both of my kids are much more into the Christmas spirit, and knowing that it is getting so close here in the middle of fall has them already anticipating the special time of year that we’re now in as this post is published.
Nowadays I don’t begrudge anyone for getting into the spirit before December. Some will start in the fall, others just never really stop: they’ll play carols in March or July or September. I understand this better than I used to: we need all the joy we can get, wherever we can find it. And for a certain segment of people, the unique and magical feeling that this time of year brings provides that.
I am still not that person. But I no longer cringe at those who are. Sing your songs, keep your tree up, post your Santa memes on social media, watch Elf in the middle of summer.
We’re all out here doing our best, and we each need what we need to keep going.
He’s restarting the song again. I’m glad for him. By the time you read this I’ll be enjoying my own Christmas playlist and planning all the carols that my church will sing on Christmas Eve.
We all come to the joy of this season at different times. I hope that you have finally met it yourself.
If you enjoyed this reflection, check out my Advent book, Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent.
Jeffrey A. Nelson 