Santa Claus' appearance in the Laurel Hill Homecoming and Main Street Crestview Christmas parades were indications it was coming.
So was banjoist Rick Edenfield, aka "Banjo Bear's," strumming "Silent Night" on Main Street. (See video on our Facebook page.)
But nothing, to me anyway, shows Christmas is right around the corner quite like North Okaloosa children's letters to Santa Claus.
Throughout the month, we are running all second-graders' Christmas wish lists.
Although many are about receiving things — $1 million or even $1,000, or laundry lists of specified big-ticket items — many children also understand what really matters in life, and the importance of gratitude.
Like Laurel Hill School's Brannon H., whose wishes are not primarily material.
"I wish I can play football and baseball this year," he says. "I want toys. Can you get all the toys and bring them to me, Santa Claus? I wish you can. But if you can’t, I want a big hug and a kiss."
This letter tells me that Brannon's goal is to play sports, which will help build his character and teach him about teamwork: a Christmas gift, if ultimately granted, that will keep giving.
His vagueness about "all the toys" he wants Santa to bring him tells me he just wants toys, maybe because commercials tell him that he should have them; maybe because he enjoys playing with them. Either way, they're not that important to him.
The last line — just wanting a big hug and kiss — confirms it. (And it's something to which we all can relate: Aside from food, clothing and shelter, isn't that all anyone really wants or needs in life? To be loved?)
Then there's Northwood Arts and Science Academy's Mya: "I would like a chocolate bar maker that I saw on a TV show. I want a Zoomer and a tablet. And some kindness in my family."
Whatever that last item means, I'd bet she wants it more than anything in the first two lines. And mentioning it shows that she knows what really matters in life. (Since toys and tools are hot one season, but yesterday's news the next.)
Sometimes, it's uncomfortable to read these letters. Children send them to Santa, and while yes, they share what kinds of flashy toys they want, they also share their deepest wishes; their true needs. Just knowing that Santa can make them realities.
That's why, each year, North Okaloosa's Santa letters strike me more than almost anything else about the season. It's not every day that someone tells you their deepest wishes, especially those you have no way of granting.
An online meme that says, "As I get older, my Christmas list gets shorter" definitely applies to me. The things I want can't be bought.
But thanks to this column, I can express (and maybe receive) one of those wishes.
I wish that parents and legal guardians would read these letters very carefully, particularly if your child's list includes intangible things.
And I wish you would make those Christmas wishes come true.
What's your view? Email tboni@crestviewbulletin.com or tweet @cnbeditor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: Letters to Santa inspire a Christmas wish