The Edit Cafe

Three days before Christmas and in my office I sit.
My little tree on the bookshelf is beautifully lit.
My stocking is hanging on the doorknob with care,
Full of goodies and treats my coworkers put there.

Cards brighten my desk and offer good tidings,
And "Merry Christmas!" signs off all the emails I'm writing.
I've got carols playing that are merry and bright,
But when I look out my window, it's not snowy white.

Muddy and brown, out my window I see,
Gloomy and gray and bare-naked trees.
I love warm weather, but Christmas rain over snow?!
In good old Ohio, you just never know. . . .

During my long, rainy commute this morning, the songs on the radio and the extra cheer in my heart had to remind me that it is Christmastime, no matter what the skies say. I shouldn't be surprised. Ohio's weather is not its selling point. But the warm temperatures and more rain than snow this December have been extra bizarre, no matter how much I enjoy not having to bundle up or scrape off my car.

What's the Christmas weather like where you are? I think my siblings near Denver will have plenty of white this year! And my grandparents in Florida are enjoying balmy breezes and twinkling palm trees.

As you think about what makes your state's Christmastime unique, remember that your setting can really make your stories unique. With our geographical theme for Heartsongs, I'm looking for stories that take me away to a particular state. As I read, I want to feel like I've traveled somewhere specific, not just Anytown, Anystate, U.S.A. Careful, though. Don't let the facts or history of the setting overtake your plot; just let them subtly support and flavor your story.

Speaking of flavors, there's a fat, juicy Harry and David pear sitting on my desk, calling my name. Yet another reminder it really is Christmastime!