Is it Christmas yet?

Happy HollyDaze

I know it’s only July and I know I’m not religious, but I love the HollyDaze.

And, no, unfortunately, it’s not the family gathering opportunities– I mean, have you met my family?

It’s not the gifts; I don’t like to shop and avoid stores like infectious disease during the last month of the year, every kid I know is already spoiled enough and most people don’t want half of what they get anyway. And, I don’t need or want anything– I’ve got plenty, thanks.

It’s not Santa; he and his weirdo deer freak me out, too.

No, it’s the hum in the air. It’s the excuse to make fancy cookies. It’s the reminder to do something nice for my neighbors, postal delivery person (is that P.C. enough?), the garbage collectors. It’s the holiday parties where everyone is jovial. It’s sending and receiving goodwill via snail-mail. It’s the office parties with a huge bill for the boss (sucka). It’s the promise of a new year– and the idea of a new start– right around the bend.

But, mostly, it’s about community.

I love seeing the decorative lights come out in my neighborhood. I love that the community near us offers carriage rides and cookie decorating for 50 cents per child. I love the parades. I love that the days are short and the nights long and cozy.

Why am I thinking of Christmas on a hot July afternoon?

I’m working on a story about a local community who has, over the past three years, come together to celebrate. It started with an idea then, year by year, the event has grown through the creativity and excitement of the town’s citizens. They’re helping business, they are helping their connection and they are helping local charity. It’s beautiful.

And, that is exactly what I love about the HollyDaze– people coming together with peace, love and happiness, and enough of it to share.