Season opener

Last night, as my dad was driving us from the Columbus Airport to Dayton, OH, Damon said, "The Christmas season has officially begun."

Me: "Whatever, I put up a Christmas corner!"

Damon: "Well I don't have to go to work, so it feels official now."

I guess by that reasoning, it makes sense. We cut the red ribbon on our Christmas season by flying Skybus to Ohio and are settling in for celebration and fun family time with my side of the family.

We are the first of the siblings to arrive, so Fuller has had some concentrated "Gampa Fred" and Vieja time. Tomorrow Aunt Stina arrives to give him even more attention. It might even be better than Christmas.

Tonight we decorate "Fuller's Tree," a small fake tree in the family room that will be covered with the non-delicate and plastic-y ornaments of Christmas past. Mom finished decorating the upstairs tree with red and gold adornments of various shapes, sizes, and textures.

Surrounded by remnants of snow and getting to sit beside the fire makes it really feel like the Christmas season has begun. And it makes me wrinkle my nose and smile.