Rushing the Holidays

I don't know about you, but it really bothers me to see retailers stocking their shelves with Christmas decor way before Halloween.

In fact, I think I saw Christmas decorations in some stores around Labor Day!

With our Mississippi temperatures still hitting the high 80s (it's supposed to be 88 today!), it's difficult to even think about Halloween, much less Christmas! And whatever happened to Thanksgiving? It seems to me that it used to be in there sometime between Halloween and Christmas.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, or maybe the slow economy is prompting retailers to "rush the holidays," but, to me, it takes away some of the fun and anticipation. And can you imagine how it confuses little ones who see Santa Claus showing up in stores and malls right after Halloween ...

... when we all know he is supposed to be at the North Pole helping his elves get the toys ready ...

And getting Rudolph and the guys in shape for their long Christmas Eve journey.

Am I just being a "Scrooge," or does it bother you, too?

[Photos borrowed from the Internet]

Merry Christmas from Vicksburg, Mississippi ...

The Stars of Christmas ...

What better way to begin the Christmas season than with a truly awesome display in the night skies, courtesy of God. Tonight, a slender crescent moon will appear in very close proximity to the two brightest planets in our sky, Venus and Jupiter. They won't be as close again until the year 2052.

This would be a perfect way for your family to celebrate the "reason for the season" before all the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins. It's going to be cold, so bundle up and make it a special Christmas memory for your children ... and for you.

*Photo of the 2004 Alignment by The Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island