It’s the Christmas Season?
Living out here in West Texas Town less than 100 miles north of the U.S./Mexico border, it is easy to forget that it is December, much less the Christmas season.
I suppose the fact that I own neither television nor radio probably has something to do with my complete and utter detachment from reality this materialistic overhyped time of year, but I think the reason that I am so befuddled is because it doesn’t really feel like Christmas to me.
Yes, there was a cold snap over Thanksgiving weekend and even a little bit of snow, but if it weren’t for the pictures I took to prove it, I wouldn’t believe it. I have barely needed a jacket since I moved here, most days I can still wear my sandals if I feel like it, and as I type this, my kitchen window is wide open because it is nearly 60 degrees outside. (Did I mention that it is 11:00 pm?)
Admittedly this isn’t the first Christmas season that I have spent “down south,” but I have never before lived in a place where the concept of winter seems so utterly foreign: A place where scarves and snow boots are fashion accessories, where yucca trees are strung with Christmas lights, and where Santa sits serenely amongst the cacti.
7 December 2007 at 05:56
Listen Christmas radio and feel Christmas http://www.eeradio.com
7 December 2007 at 13:10
The scene from my office window: An empty cornfield covered in snow, random brown and leafless trees sheltered by a dreary and gray winder sky with no sunshine.
If you find yourself missing the typical “Winter in Iowa” weather; I would gladly trade you places until Spring!
7 December 2007 at 14:37
I always wonder at how people in the south get into the Christmas spirit. I guess part of it really is due to the commercial hype? Here’s hoping you find the Christmas spirit inside of you.
13 December 2007 at 12:44
My first year in grad school (USC) I was *shocked* when I walked into the mall in December and saw Christmas decorations. The warm weather and palm trees (and general cloistered feeling grad school creates) had made me totally forget about Christmas. But I got used to it. Now I wish I had done what the dude had suggested: stay in L.A. for Christmas and have it on the beach!