The craft shops in Davis County are fully plugged into the Christmas spirit. I attended a “Fall Craft Show” last week and there was nary a pumpkin, autumn leaf, or turkey in sight. I was immediately time-traveled into December, a time when people transform their house into a winter wonderland. 

One minute I’m watching football games and baseball playoffs in the living room; the next minute I’m watching the game in Santa’s workshop. It’s coming guys! We’re 60 days out and people are already eyeing the holiday knick-knacks and lighting designs for the roof!

In one of the Father Brown mystery stories, a character notes, “If you convey to a woman that something ought to be done, there is a dreadful danger that she will suddenly do it.” This occurs every year. Upon the very mention of Christmas or the holiday season, women become frenzied attack dogs.

I have no trouble with a Christmas tree, but I don’t see the need to totally decorate the house for a short period of time. I can still conjure up the Christmas spirit without seeing 23 nativity scenes on the fireplace mantle. I can immerse myself in the season without a bookcase full of snow globes. A wreath on the front door is one thing; I don’t need garland wrapped around every candle, mug, or banister. 

The living room is no more “homey” due to its seasonal population of Santas. I know what Santa looks like and I don’t need him in a myriad of costumes or kneeling in front of a manger. Snowmen…angels…stars. And they all need to be carefully dusted, wrapped, and gingerly placed in storage containers after their short-lived run of the house.

Whatever happened to enjoying the moment? The Halloween decorations are getting edged out by Santa and his elves. We might as well save time and put the kids in reindeer costumes for trick or treating! And forget Thanksgiving. This noblest of holidays isn’t even a placeholder in November anymore! Don’t get me started on the radio stations that start playing Christmas music before the first leaf falls from the trees! 

So many bare ledges, walls, and countertops – all waiting for a touch of the season. Women will label the decorations as memorable keepsakes. I will continue to call them Christmas clutter. I’m not a grinch, I just question the need for a home invasion of holiday cheer!

Bryan Gray, a longtime Davis County resident, is a former school teacher and has been a columnist for more than 26 years in newspapers along the Wasatch Front.