Tomorrow’s the day, people: the official cut off for Christmas decorations. And none too
soon.
Why a couple of weekends ago, Charlie and me are taking a Sunday drive, and I become a little irritated.
“Would you look at that?” I ask.
“What?” Charlie replies.
“All these Christmas decoration everywhere. It’s the middle of January, for God’s sake!”
“You say that every year. Besides, technically they have ‘til Groundhog Day.”
“I know, but the real Christmas-y stuff should come down sooner, in my opinion. Like look at that place there. It’s just not right.”
Charlie pulls over in front of the house in question.
“What are you doing, Charlie?”
“Why don’t you leave them a note? I think I got some paper in the glove compartment. You know, just a little neighborly note.
“Very funny, mister man.” Charlie was just teasing, but I’m thinking, Oh, if only I could.
But now the day is finally here. Your plastic Santa? The one lit from within by the spirit of Christmas? Give him a rest. And it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway), we are totally over the inflatable snow globes, the Grinch, that penguin village at the North Pole. And your crèche? Forget about it! Time for the baby Jesus to go bye-bye. You know, so he can get ready for Easter!
Now, I’m willing to cut you a little slack here and there. Wreaths are okay until Valentine’s Day (providing they’re in good shape), as long as the bow is not too Christmas-y. Me? I’d rather see no bow than one of them bright red bows. They just scream, “Deck the Halls,” don’t they? I’m also good with your Victorian kids skating, snowman imagery and displays of old snowshoes, sleds and toboggans. Again, minus the red bows.
Lights? Now this is a tricky category. I can go the distance with some looks, but not others. I say, nix the multi-colored lights and single lights in your windows. White lights are on a case by case basis. Generally, lights outlining a house (I don’t care what color they are), that’s just too Christmas-y. I’m fond of the icicle lights and lights in trees as long as they’re done nice. There’s a tree at the end of our street, looks like the guy just threw ‘em up and walked away. It’s an eyesore. He really does deserve a “neighborly note,” but I’ll refrain. For now!
We’ve been pretty lucky this January in the snow department, so you don’t have any
excuses. Get out there and take down those lights and wreaths. You wait until we get a big storm and you’re out of luck. Save yourself the embarrassment come March, of your crocuses having to nudge aside a deflated, inflatable Santa. That’s just sad!
This has been a public service announcement. I hope it was helpful. And happy Ground Hog Day, folks! Be safe and stay warm.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Here Ida Tell It: Cut Off for Christmas Decorations
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