Christmas in September?

It’s mid-September and my daughter is singing ‘Jingle Bells’ while she runs around the house with a remnant of material draped around her neck and trailing behind her as she declares “I’m Super Emmi!” How in Kris Kringle’s name does my caped crusader know that Christmas is hiding right around the corner? Earlier tonight as we watched Geraldo being blown over by the gusty winds of Hurricane Ike, Emelia was wrapping a gift for Santa. She asked me to call Mr. Claus and tell him to come get the present she prepared for him. I explained to her I couldn’t disturb Santa just now because he is busy building toys with his elves for Christmas. My little super heroine then asked, ‘Well why can’t he make a toy with one hand and talk to you on the phone with the other?’


Autumn is barely announcing its entrance with its seasonal storms and my daughter is already in full holiday mode. I have to admit my thoughts have also been drifting towards Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm already fantasizing about Thanksgiving dinner and making the traditional Coconut, Chocolate and Sweet Potato pies my mom used to make every year. I just love how the fall slowly enters, lingers and then fades into winter. It’s natural for me to weave this time of year altogether in my mind so I suppose its fitting for Emmi to be singing Christmas carols even though there are still 9 days left before Autumn officially kicks in.

It saddens me that September holds only 30 days and we're already ending day 12! This is one of my favorite months of the year for more reasons than its announcement of the Autumn season. The Texas State Fair starts on September 26th this year, just one day past my 37th birthday. My husband and I went to the fair together for one of our first 'non-dates' 8 years ago when we were still pretending we were just friends. So this month always reminds me of funnel cakes and corn dogs, ferris wheels and fire crackers… and butterflies in my stomach.

I’ve noticed the late evenings have held a slight hint of chill the last couple of weeks. I found myself giggling light-headedly a few days ago as I climbed into bed after adding my favorite cozy blanket to my side. I even indulged in hot cocoa one night last week after the kids were tucked away and dreaming. Pumpkins and candy corns are popping up in the supermarket and harvest decor is dressing the entryways of Texas homes. Even the scent of the air is changing and I find myself becoming refreshed, excited and invigorated by the changes my old friend Autumn brings with it. I love, love, love this time of year.

I’m hoping we can plan a trip to see some of the beautiful firey red, burnt orange and golden yellow leaves as they turn during the peak of the season just before they coat the ground. I can’t wait to walk through the leaves and hear the rustling and feel the crunching beneath my feet. I was spoiled to grow up in North Carolina where they have some of the most gorgeous Autumns I’ve ever seen. Here's hoping you have the best Autumn yet, filled with the crunchiest leaves, the creamiest hot cocoa and maybe even a Christmas carol here or there!