Today, November 14, I heard the first "Christmas song" at the restaurant where I picked up our "to go" order. This week our outside temps have been in the 70* range . . . no 'dreaming of a white Christmas' here. The Church's Liturgical Calendar indicates that the Advent Season does not begin for another fifteen days.
But, for now, it's November .. . all 30 days. This has been a November unlike any in my remembrance ! Election day (week) has drained the emotional 'gas tank' for many. And now there are reports of runaway Covid numbers. Despite numerous warnings by public health persons to avoid indoor Thanksgiving gatherings, there are several indications many will ignore the advice. And there are predictions for yet another spike of cases two weeks after Thanksgiving.
In my search for 'November quotes' this one from Annie Leck (?) catches the mood of many : "This November there seems to be nothing to say." Or this by Charman J. Forde : "This is going to be a November to remember." (For that matter, this has been a 2020 to remember. Somehow, that the font size has change without my agency seems fitting for this year.)
Then there is the phenomenon of Christmas shopping with all its attendant hassles and how that may look this year. Even with the restrictions and horrible infection statistics, this observation by Cynthia Ryhart seems apropos: "In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still." (Italics mine). The countdown has begun; a time to be still may be especially needed this year.
Satchel
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