If you visit my house, you'll notice — besides the well-lived-in feeling — a decor theme that drives my husband, Adam, crazy!
You see, long ago, after marrying Adam, I traded Cosmo magazines for more “wifey” magazines — such as Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living — and have become quite the decorator.
My preferences differ from others', but there are lots of interesting articles in both.
But I've always been bothered when people rush holidays, and rapidly change their decor, in lieu of living in the moment.
Stores display Christmas decorations around Halloween, almost completely skipping Thanksgiving.
The radio plays Christmas music before Thanksgiving. (Hey, I like carols as much as the next person, but I like to celebrate the holidays in order. At my house, fall and Thanksgiving décor are up until black Friday — at minimum.)
Of course, it's a shame when you have a pretty place but have ugly-acting guests. No matter how upbeat you are, there is always one person who tries to start the ripple of bad vibes through the crowd at holiday gatherings.
Often, it's someone who tries to blame you for every gray hair on their head, although the only time you see him or her is around the holidays. He or she has something negative to say about everything — and is probably the one consuming the most alcohol or food. Just sayin'.
If you are that miserable person, why not just stay home? Is it necessary to ruin everyone else’s time?
Thanks for letting me vent. And now, upcoming events:
•Academic Team All-Star Tryouts are 3:15-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
•Laurel Hill School fifth-graders will sell “Dean Cakes” until Dec. 12. Be sure to ask Hobo students about this fundraiser!
•A senior citizen tea is 9 a.m. Dec. 13 at Laurel Hill School's media center.
Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: THE HOBO HOMEFRONT: Let's neither rush the holidays nor be rude during parties