Hide the Tinsel.

November is a perfectly reasonable month until somebody opens the Christmas decorations.

Then suddenly, a ceramic turkey is sharing shelf space with a snowman, there’s glitter in the butter dish, and I’m explaining why a tiny Christmas tree “doesn’t really count.”

It counts. We all know it counts.

But look how cute it is.

Here in Hooterville, we have entered that delicate stretch of the year when the pumpkins are still holding their positions and the Christmas ornaments are quietly assembling reinforcements.

I respect Thanksgiving. Any holiday built around mashed potatoes and elastic waistbands has my full support.

I just think we could discuss the menu under some twinkle lights.

The Decorations Have Formed Committees

The autumn decorations have been here for weeks. They’ve earned their place. The little pumpkins are settled in. The leaves look lovely. The decorative turkey has the expression of someone who suspects he’s about to lose his parking spot.

Meanwhile, the Christmas boxes are calling from storage.

“Just take a peek.”

That is how it starts.

Nobody ever opens a Christmas box and removes one tasteful item. You go looking for a candle and emerge forty minutes later wearing a wreath, holding three reindeer, and wondering whether the bathroom needs a theme.

Apparently, it does.

The Sewing Room Has Its Own Holiday Schedule

If you sew, you already know the calendar is more of a suggestion.

Christmas projects require time. Fabric must be chosen. Ribbon must be located. Scissors must be found beneath the fabric you chose while looking for the ribbon.

Then you discover a completely different piece of fabric, have a better idea, and abandon the original project with the confidence of someone who has learned absolutely nothing from previous Decembers.

My sewing room can go from “a few little holiday ideas” to “Santa has outsourced production” in one afternoon.

The dolls, naturally, will need outfits.

They have nowhere to go, no dinner to cook, and no relatives to impress. Somehow, their holiday wardrobes are still ahead of mine.

The Boys Have Submitted Their Requests

The dogs remain neutral on seasonal decorating, provided all boxes are available for inspection and nobody moves the good blanket.

The Yorkie suspects every rustling bag contains snacks.

The Maltipoo would like to know why we are bringing a tree indoors when he has been discouraged from bringing in one perfectly good stick.

Fair question.

Neither has offered to help put anything away.

My Official November Policy

There will be pumpkins. There may be twinkle lights. There will absolutely be pie.

If a snowman appears beside the Thanksgiving centerpiece, I ask that everyone respect his invitation.

Life gets busy enough this time of year without putting ourselves in charge of someone else’s decorating schedule. Put up what makes you smile. Keep the autumn leaves a little longer. Hang the wreath early. Enjoy your cozy corner.

Just leave room on the table for the food.

And if you catch me carrying a box of ornaments through the house, mind your business.

I’m looking for the gravy boat. 😉