Tonight I went walking through a local holiday wonderland. Apparently, this nearby neighborhood is pretty well known for its holiday decorations. Every house is completely decked out. There are lights hanging from every rooftop and tree, multiple Santas in everyone's yard, cardboard cutouts, inflatable snowmen, full nativity scenes, fake snow in windows, and all out mechanical setups with talking Santa Clauses. Dumbo was on a swing at one person's house, and another person had a mural with Santa praying over Baby Jesus. That one just makes me laugh, because it's so weird.

The people I went with were from a local walking mailing list, and I'm really glad I decided to go. Many people drive through the neighborhood (the traffic was CRAZY), but I think you see a lot more when you're walking. There were carollers and plenty of hot cocoa stands. I've never seen kids with hot cocoa stands before tonight! I didn't have any money, but at one point, these little boys announced that theirs was free and began giving it away. This adorable little kid asked me, "Would you like some?" and when I said, "Okay," he handed me a cup. It was definitely hot, and very sweet going down. A perfect chocolatey treat on a chilly December evening. Those kids were great.

While passing one group of carollers, I couldn't help singing along with them. I'm the biggest sap in the world, because that's the type of thing that totally warms my heart. It was the first time in my life I've ever even seen people carolling and to share in the singing for just a moment filled me with delight, the kind of feeling that makes you say, "This is what Christmas is all about."

I chatted with various folks about various topics ranging from Texas to jobs/school. I talked to a psychologist, an accountant, and a self-proclaimed diet coke addict. Quite a variety of people out there tonight!

Mostly, I just walked around soaking in all the Christmassy glow, happy that neighborhoods still have fun expressing their Christmas cheer and happy that I got to experience it tonight.