OK, folks, it’s time to ask the question.
And no, I am not about to ask what defines true happiness, true freedom or true love.
Nothing of the sort. My question is the really weighty one: When is it appropriate to put up Christmas décor?
As I say: it’s weighty.
It’s time to ponder, of course, this being mid-November and all. Never mind that the big-box stores jumped the holiday gun ages ago, and had the trees up and the wreaths hung when we were still in shorts and sandals.
But that’s par for the festive course. Before long, I reckon the goods will be out year round. Fancy some tinsel and mistletoe in April? The stores will be happy to oblige. Candy canes and fruitcake in August? No problem at all.
But for the average Joe — that is, someone who does not own a big-box store — the question remains: When is the timing right?
I decided to ask the husband.
“When should we put up the lights?” I asked.
He thought for a moment.
“When it isn’t raining,” he said.
“That’s not what I mean,” I said. “I’m talking about the timing.”
“Not too early,” he said. “And not too late. We’ll do it when the time is right.”
He was of no help whatsoever.
I consulted a workmate.
“When do you put up your tree?” I asked. “Suppose it’s artificial.”
She thought for a moment.
“Well,” she said, “you don’t want to put it up in October. On the other hand, you should allow for plenty of time to enjoy it.”
She was also of no help — whatsoever.
The question’s not easily answered. Here we are, in mid-November, and I’m starting to feel it — a bit, anyway. Heck, I’ve even bought a stuffer or two, and perused my recipes for shortbread.
But no, I’m not inclined to turn on Jingle Bells quite yet. There are — what? — still 39 days until Santa comes, and although the big man is likely up to his whiskers in toy assembly right now, the tree can wait for a bit.
I’ll hold off buying the turkey. I’ll wait to write the cards.
Perhaps the husband’s correct after all. There’s no right time to hang the wreath, but we’ll know when the time is right.
