Humbug

“Why do people think it’s Christmas?” my son asked me yesterday. “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but everyone thinks it’s Christmas.”

As far as my 5-year-old’s concerned, grown-ups are a confused bunch. I agree. With temps around 80 degrees here and pumpkins still in my neighbors’ front yards, please forgive me for not feeling very Christmasy yet. Don’t get me wrong – I’ve already made a wish list a mile long – but it’ll be mid-December before I’m imbued with seasonal esprit.

This confession comes from a professional Santa, as I have worked as Mr. Claus for the City of Charleston’s Holiday Magic since 2003. I’ll be ho-ing again next month, and when I see the enthusiastic faces of the children who visit me, I’ll run screaming – no, seriously, I’ll realize once again what all the fuss is about – their happiness.