We put up the last two pieces of Christmas decoration in our yard tonight. One was a lighted deer which is missing its antlers. The other was a small string of colored lights which we draped over a shrub.

About Thanksgiving I start thinking about putting the lights up, but normally the “bah humbugs” keep me from actually acting on the thought. This year I actually got them up earlier than other years.

I have to admit that it has been nice to drive up to a lighted house. It says, “We enjoy life,” and that’s a message I like to send.

I think the world needs that message year round. But I’m not leaving the Christmas lights up past January 1.