Pre-Fairyland Cheer

As I was walking the dog tonight, I was noticing all the holiday lights that are already filling the yards. Many people are decking out their houses, but not yet actually turning on the lights. A couple of inflatable snowmen flopped sadly on their lawns. A few yards, however, were already lit with holiday splendor. It got me to thinking about how beautiful it was last year. I remember walking the dog as it was snowing lightly and the lights on the houses and in the yards sparkled like magic. The girls really took to walking with me during the holidays last year. I was thinking maybe this will spark their interest again, all the twinkling lights. It's a little like walking in fairyland.

I'm actually having a little trouble with the idea that holidays are just around the corner. Thanksgiving day plans are with the in-laws. We will then spend the weekend with some friends in central Kansas. I'm really looking forward to the gatherings, but I keep feeling a little surprised that the reason we are getting together is because it is Thanksgiving! Already!

The kids have asked about setting up a tree. In my mind, that's a firm NO until after Thanksgiving. They are talking gifts and wish lists and I'm just resisting, I suppose. Thinking instead about the bathroom wall that still needs painting and the plumbing in and around the kitchen sink that could really use my attention.

I should be thrilled the holidays are upon us. This means we are only DAYS from hubby being done with law school and yet a few more months before he takes the bar. Life is about to return to normal... whatever that may be.

I figure tomorrow will be my last walk of the season before the houses on the street are entirely lit up with holiday cheer. I'm already looking forward to a nice long walk on Friday. I think I will try to cover every street of the neighborhood on foot, just as the sun goes down. Maybe I'll get inspired. Maybe the kids and I will throw some lights in our scraggly old evergreen out front. Could be fun... our own little bit of fairyland.