I don’t know about you, but the first sign of Christmas for me is NOT the stocking of shelves in OCTOBER. For shame!

Nor is it the mad shopping flees of Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Although, I wholly embrace pre-black Friday shopping. Heh.

But no, it is most certainly NOT those events.

For me, the true beginning of the Christmas Holiday is the hauling of the red and green tubs into the living room. Where every Santa and every reindeer gets placed on proud display while Christmas music plays in the background. Then, there is the ceremonious unraveling of the ornaments with oohs and aahs over every precious one.

Every surface gets covered in paper and tiny gold strings. Stockings are strewn by the chimney uncared. And Yes, even the dog is wearing her Santa hat.

And if it’s not that…..

Then maybe, it’s the twinkle from across the way…..

A neighbor’s joy of illumination. And not the Griswolds that decorated November 1st.

NOT those. But the ones…..

That are just starting to peek through the darkness……

If the sign isn’t the glimmer…. Could it be the glow? A circle of spirit, day or night, it’s the Wreath of Christmas Adorn. The one that jingles with tiny sleigh bells upon every open, and close. Proclaiming an Angel gets her wings or something like that…..heh.

Then we have the tremendously helpful, and most rewarding sign of all. The advent calendar.

Yes!

It is the marking of every Christmas day. Weee! The opening of every little door to secrets and treasures – a true wonder of delight. Ohhhhh violating the nut cracker! Ha!

But that’s not all. Oh no.

The Herald of the Tree comes next.

The HERALDING!

When all the ornaments fall into place, and we stand in awe of her greatness. We bow on one knee in front of the camera on the tripod and look for presents.

TA-DA!

Isn’t she a beauty?

Everything brightens in her presence.

The hearty cheer is unmistakable, and we clamor giddily over those circles of light bouncing off every reflective surface. Bokeh! Bokeh! Bokeh!

The tree is a messenger of Christmas in itself.

But do you know what my FAVORITE sign of Christmas is?

I bet you can guess…..

It’s Christmas in a cup.

That wondrous first cup of Starbucks Christmas blend. Oh yeaaaahhhh….

MmmHmm.

Good to the last drop.

And the hot chocolate ain’t so bad either.

That might have been hot chocolate in the cup. Shhhh!

No matter what sign you seek, or find. I do hope you are enjoying, the beginning, the middle, and the end of every Christmas celebration coming your way.

And if you haven’t seen Christmas yet………..Here’s your sign.