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Christmas decorating arrives early for many eager to start festive season

As Wendy recommends this week in 'Everything King,' get your jingle on right now and enjoy the holiday season
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It doesn’t matter to me if I am still finishing up the leftover Halloween candy or that I haven’t tossed out the fall mums yet, I am moving on to Christmas.

Have you noticed that most people have already started or finished their holiday decorating?

I think this is another effect of COVID.

Because we have had so little to look forward to over the last several months, I think we are all in desperate need of some joy.

I am not even calling this early decorating. I am calling it right-on-time decorating.

I need it. You might, too.

We made it through an endless political season ... if you follow American politics. If we have been very fortunate, we have made it through the first shocking wave of COVID. I know we are still smack dab in the middle of whatever phase we are in now, with whatever colour zone we've been given. 

We need something positive.

Things are not getting better on the outside, but we do have some control about how we feel on the inside.

If that comes in the form of garland, shiny baubles, candy canes, and sugar cookies, I say bring it on!

I am already through my second jug of apple cider.

I almost cried when the Christmas cups showed up at the drive-thrus. 

Remember the years when people were whining about either the non-traditional colours or images on the paper cups at Starbucks? That seems so quaint now compared to what we really have to worry about.

I need it.

You may need it, too.

I am doing anything and everything I can think of to add a little sparkle to what may be as scientists and politicians predict “a dark winter."

It's like we are stuck in that ugly part of winter. The world feels like a whole bunch of dirty slush with crusty edges. It's hard to keep your balance. It's gross.

While we are all at home, the least we can do is light it up and deck it out.

I really thing a majority of folks are getting into the good feelings of the season already. I’ve seen tons of light displays going up around the city.

Almost everyone I know is in some stage of decorating. Trees are up. Wreaths are up. Christmas urns are sitting out on the front step. 

I did have a few people say they weren’t going to bother this year because they likely can’t have any company over to enjoy it.  

That’s a valid point, but truthfully, I have always just done it for myself. So what if nobody else can enjoy it? You can enjoy it! 

As L'oreal would say, "You're worth it!" 

You deserve to be surrounded by the comfort beautiful things bring. Put on some classic Christmas tunes, light the candles, eat delicious food, and just soak in the calm.

There has always been a reason for the season. That hasn't changed.

Heck, I have a new cat who spent all of his past Christmases in a cage in a shelter. His first Christmas, as part of my family, is going to be as happy as I can make it. Temptations and feather rods in abundance.

I’ve been photographing the merrymaking process and sending photos to friends and family. It either gives them something to criticize or appreciate, right?

“That woman has way too many light-up tacky pictures.”

“Did you see her tree? Lopsided!”

“All her taste is in her mouth.”

“I think she forgot to dust before decorating!”

Or, they might actually like to see the Christ-mess I live in.

This year, there won’t be as many presents around the tree. I get it. Money is tight. Jobs are sparse or non-existent. Traditions are going to have to change. 

Alone doesn’t have to mean lonely. We can all still communicate in lots of ways.

So, my advice is to get out that old bedazzler and glue gun and just bling everything up. 

Even, if you have to decorate your mask do it with gusto.

It's still the most wonderful time of the year. Let's make it last!


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About the Author: Wendy King

Wendy King writes about all kinds of things from nutrition to the job search from cats to clowns — anything and everything — from the ridiculous to the sublime. Watch for Wendy's column weekly.
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