Hark, Hear the Bells

"Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring, ting tingling too. .. " oh wait, sorry. 

 I forgot it's only July. 

This entire month I've been on my annual Christmas in summer kick, just as expected. Yes, each year during this sticky, sunshiney, farthest-from-winter-as-you'll-ever-get month, I start to think about the Holiday Season.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think this is how it usually starts. At some point on a 90 degree day, I start to get a hankering to bake something delicious, but don't want to turn the house into more of an oven than it already is. So, instead of baking, I start to dream of what delicious cookies I'm going to make for the holidays. Cinnamon Snaps, Nutella kisses, candy cane shaped peppermint sugar cookies. There are endless possibilities when you're sitting on your couch dreaming these tasty morsels up! Hmm maybe a yule log, or some chocolate covered peanut butter balls, my absolute favorite holiday treat by far.  

And then, as if concocting dreamy treats up isn't enough, I start to think about the years Christmas tree. Sadly, in my place in the city, a real, full size tree just isn't an option. Thus, last year Christopher the Christmas Tree joined the melee, as just about the cutest 3 footer I've ever seen. He might be plastic, but when his white lights start to twinkle, bathing his green branches in soft light, you'd never know it! I went for a classic red bow and pine cone look for December 2010, but this year I've got some different ideas for my little fir tree. I'm thinking of either glitzing him up for a glam look or going au natural with some wood cut ornaments. Good thing I've got 4 more months to decide (Chris goes up day after Thanksgiving). 

In case you're wondering, I absolutely do not listen to Christmas carols during this time, nor do I watch certain Christmas movies. Those are sacred and to also be kept under wraps until Thanksgiving (although, I've sometimes cheated on a particularly blustery fall day when the lure of some cheery Christmas tunes is too much. . .). I do, however, break out some of my favorite childhood Christmas books, namely the Christmas stories from all the American Girls (original). My favorites are Molly and Samantha.

At this juncture, you might be thinking I'm nuts, but really I think this little explosion of holiday cheer comes at the perfect time. It brings some cozy excitement to the summer months, and because I love fall more than any other of our glorious seasons in New England, it allows me a fresh perspective as leaves change and temperatures cool. I can enjoy every last pumpkin scented, leaf crackling moment of autumn before diving into Christmas