I mean to be jolly. I do. Instead, I’m feeling grumbly this year. Not quite the Grinch – but close. And, I’m not the only one. We sat in Culver’s tonight (they have great chili!) and I watched people.

Two men nearby argued through a family dispute. Merry they were not. One married couple looked at each other in a way that communicated discord. Mistletoe anyone?  In the corner booth a grandmother shushed her granddaughter for being happy. So much for yuletide carols. My mom was in the hospital. Ho. Ho. Ho.

Okay, there was the young mother who gently wrapped her little one into his car seat. Before she zipped him in, she gave him a tender glance and loving smile. That and my chili made the trip out in the cold worth it.

So, maybe I’ll work a little harder at this jolly thing. I’ll watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and let Linus read Luke 2. I’ll plug in my little Christmas trees earlier in the day. I’ll have a cup of Christmas tea and listen to some carols. Maybe I’ll go to the Mall and look at the decorations, watch some kids being kids, and drink a cup of Caribou coffee (dark roast!).

I really want to be jolly. Tis the season you know.