Morgan Hall
The Ashland Beacon
Halloween is over, there is a crispness in the air. The leaves that were changing vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow are finding their way to the ground. The leaves cover the ground like a blanket, as the autumn settles in to stay awhile.
For many folks, November is the month to be thankful. Often on social media, you will see folks do a daily post acknowledging what they are thankful for in their lives. I enjoy doing photo challenges where I post a new picture daily with my thankful sentiments.
In school, the kids are drawing their hand turkeys and pasting leaves onto construction paper. Families are discussing who is making what for Thanksgiving. It's a month full of quiet bustle.
Although, some begin their Christmas season early. I am guilty as charged. For me, Thanksgiving is a day and Christmas is a season.
After all, the Winter Wonderland of Lights begins on November 14 at the Central Park bandstand at 6:00 p.m. It's rather hard not to get into the Christmas spirit when the heart of our city is lit up like a beacon for all the Christmas light lovers to indulge in. Additionally, the Paramount Arts Centers' Annual Festival of Trees begins on November 17 and ends on November 27. Most children that have grown up in the tri-state area, go on field trips to the Paramount with their local school, or with their scouting troops on scout night. It's a family-friendly event that you don't want to miss.
As a child, I remember my family always putting up their tree on the day of Thanksgiving. We were already gathered together for a family dinner, so it just made sense to decorate then. Many folks in this area put their tree up in November because they celebrate Advent and this year Advent Sunday is November 27. The advent season ends on Epiphany which is January 6.
Some folks insist on waiting until December 1 or later, to put up their Christmas trees and that's their prerogative. Nobody is forcing anyone into the Christmas spirit. Keep your traditions with your family sacred and held close to your hearts.
Christmas music has already made its way to our ears, via radio stations. A couple of our writers, Sonya Newman and Gary Newman like to kick off the holiday season at midnight on October 31 and commemorate it with a dance. Sonya likes to share a Christmas song via social media daily in November."It's official, Christmas Season has now begun! I will be accepting any peppermint-flavored treats," shared Sonya.
The recent time change this past Sunday may have a few folks still reeling. It's going to get dark sooner and with darkness comes seasonal depression. Which is also a good reason to get your decorations for Christmas up around your house. The magic of Christmas lights can stir joy into anyone's heart.
Whether you have already started listening to carols and decorating for Christmas, or you're holding off for a while, do whatever makes you happy! The Ashland Beacons Holiday magazine will be in the stands soon with stories about local families and it will include those delicious holiday recipes. Stay tuned.
Picture: Morgan Hall
Picture: Festival of Trees
Picture: Morgan Hall
Picture: Thanksgiving plate