Heart Warming Heart Thawing

I used to be one of those people that grumbled about hearing Christmas music while still seeing Halloween decorations. I used to be the person claiming it was never “too late” to put the decorations out. In fact, the later the better. I also announced I’ve never had a good Christmas. Well, things must be different this year. I have silver bells and boughs of holly on the brain. A friend was driving us to see sirsy when she spotted Christmas lights strung along a fence. I thought they were pretty and added some cheer to the dying light of this November night. She scowled. I tried to appear concurrent and said, “oh I know! I’m hearing Christmas music in the stores already!” But. But, secretly, I liked the lights. I have to face facts – I’m starting to like Christmas again. Here’s an example of my past Grinchiness: I kept a meticulous Christmas card list. Anyone who didn’t send me a card for two years running was automatically crossed off my send list the following year (note: I didn’t even wait for the three strikes you’re out rule). The only exceptions to that “banishment” were 1) friends I’ve known for a verrry long time, 2) people who I knew sucked at writing anything, much less a Christmas card ( read: bachelor friends without even girlfriends) and 3) relatives who would read into not getting some scrawl from me by December 26th. 
Not this year. I’m rewriting the “list” and throwing out the rules.
Maybe it’s because I have a partner for life to share the holidays with. Maybe it’s because I’m happier than I used to be (although that’s hard to believe as of late). Maybe it’s because I am not obligated to wait for the black cloud of Christmas yesteryear to settle at the table like an unwanted guest. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen The Mood on a 12/25 in a long time.
So, corporate America, bring it on! Play your holiday commercials, sing your Christmas jingles. You won’t annoy me this year. I’m a holiday shopper with a smile on my face and a thawing heart to boot.