Signs of the Times

The Christmas cactus is blooming.  At least it didn't start blooming before Halloween.  It seems the commercial world starts earlier every year.  There is just something not right when you can buy Trick or Treat candy and a Nativity set at Hobby Lobby in the same trip.  But, Thanksgiving is later this year, so maybe the Christmas cactus and Hobby Lobby aren't to be blamed for the rush.  And Christmas is a wonderful time of the year…a time for getting together with family and friends, sending each other greetings of joy and peace.  A time to think of a new year approaching, a new chapter in life about to be written.

And I am a little guilty of the rush, too.  I have a couple of gifts already purchased.  And I made a few Christmas cards at a friend's house today.  It was a warm 70 degrees out.  It didn't feel much like Christmas.   The cards did turn out kind of cute.  I still say my motto for MY homemade cards is "When I don't care enough to send the very best".  But when I receive a homemade card, I cherish it a little more.  The one sending it took the time to make it and then thought of me.  That's pretty special, anytime of the year.

I'm beginning to think life is too short to worry about when to start celebrating a holiday or decorating or preparing.  For me, celebrating Christmas is pretty important.  It's all about the greatest story on earth - the birth of my Savior.  God incarnate.  I'm not going to ignore Thanksgiving, but since the Christmas cactus is blooming, maybe that will be my excuse for humming some carols before Thanksgiving rolls around.