It is really December?

In my mind it isn't really Christmas until there is snow on the ground and frost in the air. Winter doesn't officially start until I have to drive through at least one crappy snow storm or get my car pulled out of one snowbank. Chilly nights and nippy mornings are a sign of early October, not mid December. My midwestern mind can't handle these subtle SoCal season changes.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. I LIKE living here. I hated having to bundle up to run out to get the mail. I hated turning on my car 15 minutes before I actually had to go anywhere or, worse yet, sitting around for 15 minutes after I should have left waiting for the windshield to clear because I FORGOT to start the car early. I hated having to carry snow boots around with me, keeping track of my mittens and feeling obligated to wear a hat (something I NEVER do) for health's sake.

I am just saying that I have a hard time getting into the holiday spirit when I feel like Halloween is still just around the corner. For the last couple of years, Christmas has snuck up on me, leaving me under-decorated, unfinished shopping and unable to enjoy the season the way I used to. And with the new job I don't even have enough time or energy to keep my house clean, much less deck the halls.

If I didn't feel so crappy, I would get off my lazy behind and put up our 2-D tree. Maybe tomorrow. Or, if I am not yet feeling good enough to face a room-ful of hellions, on Monday. In the meantime I play the Nutcracker as often as I can in my classroom. My kids laughed when I started to dance to my favorite parts during our spelling test on Friday!