I’m here in the darkened front room, sitting in the glow of my tablet, drinking hot chocolate and listening, for spooks and hobgoblins, who might approach the front door, or for spirits from the other realms who take this night to push through and enjoy the crisp October weather on this night midway between summer and winter. The old ones say these visitors are what you’re feeling when you step outside and the wind swirls through the trees, you hear voices in the distance, the dogs bark, and your hair rises a bit.
Now, you may scoff at this, but consider:
When you step out tomorrow the world will be different. It will be on the lawns, on the rooftops, in the air; something golden. The Holidays will be here! While those spirits of the past were creating a Halloween diversion, they were also opening the door for the Spirits of Christmas Present and Future.
So step outside this evening, listen to the wind swirling overhead, and raise your cup in a toast to these heralds of the best time of the year.
Yes, I’ll have another hot chocolate, please.