I told you it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And it’s not just me…..

I said I started playing Christmas music early this year which is usually a no no in my house. I am not sure why I am just in the mood. And it’s kinda like that good china that sits in the china cabinet. It’s sitting here why don’t we just use it? Well it seems I am not alone. I don’t mean the stores which start decorating before Halloween. They aren’t doing it ‘cause they are in the Christmas spirit. They are doing cause they want you to start freaking out that Christmas is coming and start shopping like mad.

They started playing Christmas music on the radio already.
When I heard it I thought they were just playing one song to get people in the mood but then another one came on. And another! Yippee! So I am singing on the top of my lungs while I drive. Fa la la la la!

Then I hear the local outlet mall had it’s tree lighting on Saturday night. I guess they want it festive for Black Friday shopping.

The Salvation Army Santa’s helper is already outside the supermarket ringing his bell. Some Main Streets have their lit wreaths already up.

Maybe everyone’s feeling the need to have the holiday spirit around a little longer this year. If it will keep everyone in a good mood for a few extra weeks then I am all for it.

Saturday, hubby and I helped out our church to deliver, count and box gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Local churches, scouts and other groups assemble wrapped shoe boxes filled with candies, toys, toothbrushes, soap etc. to be delivered around the world to children who don’t get a living room filled with gifts to open on Christmas morning. I didn’t participate this year with my kids in filling the shoe boxes. Life got in the way. But after helping with the delivering this weekend I realized I really missed doing it. I am making a mental note for next year to get my friends and their kids together to make boxes and deliver them up to church. It’s so important to have our kids be part of things like this.

The woman in charge was telling us stories of children who have received these boxes. She told us how children in orphanages painted only in gray, would tape the wrapping paper from their boxes on the wall next to their bed for decoration. It really hits home and makes you realize how lucky you are and that you really need to pay it forward. Below is a short video about OCC, to really give you an idea of what it is. God bless us, everyone.