When I was young the push for Christmas always started right after American Thanksgiving. The Macy's parade was the introduction to Santa Claus and the start of Christmas sales. Today it seems like we go from Halloween right into the push for Christmas and Thanksgiving seems to be an after thought. In Canada where they celebrate thanksgiving in early October I guess it makes a little more sense. I do like the idea of the Christmas spirit being extended but it seems to be an extension of the commercial aspects of Christmas rather than the spirit. Like the new movie the "Christmas Carol" being release two weeks BEFORE Thanksgiving! Give me a break!

Well the weather here in northern Alberta has been really mild, in the mid 50's low 60's and to take advantage of it we decided to put up our outdoor Christmas lights today! So one job done and I didn't freeze any fingers. Now all we have to do is wait for the snow! Like many places northern Alberta has a "if you don't like the weather wait a minute" type of weather, but going from a t-shirt day to a snow parka day within twenty-four hours is a bit much even for northern Alberta!

Lights look nice and they will be even better with some snow and you know what? I can feel the Christmas spirit stirring!