puddles, not snow

I stepped outside tonight to recycle a couple of early Christmas boxes and was in awe.

"Wow," I thought as I looked off at a lighted church above the tree tops. "I am actually here -- smelling this Pacific Northwest air... Cool. Literally."

Although it is late December and houses are brightly illuminated in whites, greens, and reds, the ground lay clear of holiday snow. There are puddles instead.

I am okay with that. 

Temperatures are warmer than my 25 previous Christmases have ever been and I am okay with that because the shopping centers are decorated, playing holiday music while shoppers pack the check-out lines and parking lots. 

I know the holiday season is nigh because once again, I am anticipating Christmas morning. You don't lose that, I think.