Chirstmas Already?

One of my American readers sent me one of those circular e-mail messages that you are supposed to forward to a bunch of friends. I was not in the mood for that, for no particular reason. But I did like the content of the message, which was about spreading the Christmas cheer. For me, and most of the people I know in the Caribbean, it's a bit early to get into gear for Christmas: we normally prefer to wait for Advent. However, I know that in the US, once Thanksgiving is on the horizon, the turkeys are already in a state of panic because their necks are already on the block, and those who get through this week know that the day after Thanksgiving means the clock is ticking for their turn next.

I liked the idea that we should get into the spirit of the season, but I also believe that we need to keep that spirit all year round. Why do we have so much difficulty being nice most of the time? While you ponder that answer, take a look at a list of questions. My own instinctive replies are alongside.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Either: it depends on the gift.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, without question or hesitation.
3. When do you put up the tree? Not before Advent.
4. When do you take the tree down? On the 12th day/night of Christmas (Epiphany).
5. Do you like eggnog? Love it! Homemade, of course, and with rum or brandy in it.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A bicycle.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My father: he wants nothing and needs nothing, he says.
8. Do you have a nativity scene? We are never at home over Christmas, but my mother-in-law always has a Nativity scene.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail for cards, if we can organize ourselves; email for messages works well with friends dotted all over the world.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's A Wonderful Life.
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Never, if possible.
12. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I think re-gifting is a good practice, especially for things that are not personal wear, such as utensils.
13. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Jamaican black cake or real Christmas pudding.
14. Lights on the tree? Definitely.
15. Favorite Christmas song? Twelve Days of Christmas and Silent Night.
16. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel...The Bahamas or Jamaica.
17. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen).
18. Angel on the tree top or a star? Either.
19. Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day? Christmas Day.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People thinking that it's the only time to think about, and be generous to, other people.
21. Favorite ornament theme and color? Not a great one on themes and colours.
22. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey and ham, rice and peas.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? Friends, family, love, good cheer.
24. Who is most likely to respond to this ? Everyone I hope: you have to be honest, not obliged to agree.
25. Who is least likely to respond to this? Grinches.