I grew up outside of Chicago and have been living in SC for 8 years now. I have the hardest time getting into the spirit of things here. It feels more like fall (though not this week) than winter, and sometimes its so warm its like late spring. The sun is amost always shining (not usually the case in Chicago as its often gray and dreary), the grass is still on the green side, and there are still leaves on the tree (though theyre red, orange, brown, etc). We might get a little snow come January, but thats a big if! My old neighborhoods would try to outdo each other with decorations, but here, the decorations are sparse. Christmas Eve found us outside, often freezing in the wind trying to light luminaries, then driving around to look at everything. Here, its almost unheard of unless you live in a really nice neighborhood with organization and close ties. The radio staions have been playing Christmas music since the beginning of Nov, and Hallmark starts selling Christmas ornaments in July. I just love looking at Christmas decorations alongside Halloween decorations (no I dont), but I believe this is the case throughout most of the country these days. Its sad really. If it werent for my son I dont think Id have much if any Christmas spirit even though its my favorite holiday. Of course, heading for a cruise and WDW on the 26th has me more focused on prepping for that than Christmas!
alison
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