Outdoor Festivity

Our neighborhood knows how to decorate. And not just for Christmas. Starting in September, at least half the houses had decorated for fall, or "harvest," on their front porch. I didn't even know people decorated for fall, and I can guarantee no one's been doing any harvesting around here in years. Nonetheless, there were hay bales, scarecrows, pumpkins, wreaths, the works. Admidst golden leaves and the neighborhood pond, it created the perfect setting for late afternoon walks. I even tried to take pictures of the front doors but then realized I looked like I was casing the neighborhood as I walked around with my camera.

Of course, that was all before Thanksgiving. By Dec 1, the scenery had changed dramatically. And last week, Noah noticed. I found him crouching at our front door (in the dark), pointing at our neighbors' outdoor Christmas lights. The street is full of them, twinkling with red bows and wreaths and even a few animated figures. I noticed that a neighbor behind us has two large figures in her front yard: the baby Jesus in a manger and Santa Claus peering down at him. I've gotta get a picture of that, even if I have to do a drive-by.

In our house, we pulled out our standard 2 boxes of decorations: a small snowy town, a nativity set, stockings, and ornaments. They've served us for ten years in dorm rooms, apartments, and houses, and somehow they still feel like enough. I bought 2 strings of garland for the bannister and of course we bought a tree. Now, we get to sit back and enjoy them as we drink hot cocoa, wrap presents, and watch the same Christmas movies for the hundredth time.