Andy Williams sang it best: Christmas truly is "the most wonderful time of the year." So why not get in the spirit of things as early as possible?
In my house, November 1 marks a drastic change of scenery. The grinning jack-o'-lanterns say their goodbyes, the cobwebs get brushed away, and the skeletons return to their coffins. As soon as I put the Halloween decorations away, the Christmas music comes on, the stockings are hung with care, and the icicle lights make their annual debut outside.
My neighbors (and maybe you) think that I deck the halls a bit too soon, but there's more to my early start than just a love of all things merry. Of course, I adore the holiday season and want it to last for as long as possible (read: forever), but breaking out the decorations before the leaves start to fall is also a matter of self-preservation.
The second December rolls around, I know I'll be juggling last-minute shopping, mailing out holiday cards, baking for my kids' class parties, and celebrating the season with friends (and wine) every weekend. This year, my husband has also planned a family trip for us the first week of December, which knocks out a full seven days of decorating (and celebrating!) opportunities. In other words: The time is now, people.
To maintain my sanity and still create the magical atmosphere my family has grown to love each year, starting on November 1 is necessary. I'm not totally insane—with toddlers and a cat running around, I know better than to think a balsam fir can survive unscathed for two full months in my living room. So I'll wait until December to trim the tree, but you can bet the rest of my house will look like Santa's workshop by the end of the week.
