"If you want to be happy, be." - Leo Tolstoy

I used to get so irritated when I would see Holiday decorations popping up the day after Halloween. I always thought, "Geez! It's not even close yet. I bet they'll start advertising in July next year!" This year when I saw the first holiday decorations, the day after Halloween, I was so excited! Who doesn't love Christmas? And Thanksgiving? And watching the fall leaves change color, watching the nights arrive sooner, feeling the air turn cooler? It's such a "wonderful time of the year." .

Seeing holiday decorations makes me feel better. I used to feel frustrated because I thought about it so negatively. I'd think to myself, "Why so early? They're just trying to make more money." But really seeing them I get excited and now I think, "Yea! It's almost here." It reminds me of how thankful I am for everything: my family, my healthy children, the home we live in, good friends, and so much more. It literally lifts my spirits and makes me smile. And it does make me want to start shopping too....

The holiday decorations also make me think about everything that goes on during the this time of year. I am excited to see my cousin's from San Diego and my Aunt and Uncle. We just celebrated Thanksgiving with my sisters and their families down in San Luis Obispo and despite the five hour drive it was wonderful to see them. I can't wait to make my husband rake up all of the leaves that fell off of our huge Maple tree. I'm excited to help my kids pick out the biggest Christmas tree I can find (which reminds me that I'm thankful for a very tall ceiling). Even though my husband will try to convince me that we don't need one that tall, I'll rally the troops and we'll whine enough to get our way. And then soon enough Christmas really will be here and I'll get to see my children open their gifts. I cannot wait. I no longer care whether or not they advertise early and I hope next year they do start advertising in July.