Some people may be railing against radio stations playing Christmas music in November, and others have taken to social media to lament ornaments and such showing up in the seasonal bins at the local store.
But there is a large contigent of end-of-the-year revelers who have already been rocking the carols for much of autumn, and who might, just maybe, have a few lights up around the front door.
We do tip our Santa hat to those eager yuletide-ready revelers and point them in the direction of the 5 Freeway, and Citadel Outlets, which is about to host the first Southern California public tree lighting of the season. The date? Things'll get mighty twinkle-tastic on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Yes, that's the first Saturday in November. No calendar required: We're confirming it.
Two things to say there. One? Halloween is done, so it isn't as if the tree lightings have started before the jack o'lanterns have been extinguished. And two? Several more will quickly follow in succession, including The Grove's tree lighting on Sunday, Nov. 13.
It is truly cheerful stuff, a classic fir lighting, and it may raise a few spirits as we head into Election Day. Even more cheerful? The free event includes as host of performances from the likes of Olivia Holt (of the Disney Channel), the band Before You Exit, and singer John Lindahl.
That the Citadel Outlets tree lighting has gained a bit of a reputation for presenting breakout stars is worth noting, as is the fact that Justin Bieber performed at the 2010 event.
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Indeed, the lighting of the "World's Tallest Live-Cut Tree" has been a November tradition at the historic shopping center for 15 years now. And, absolutely, you won't miss the "World's Largest Bow" as you pull into the outlets, for it sits right on top, for all the world, or at least the 5 Freeway, to see.
So we say this, with a resounding welcome: Hello, tree lightings of Southern California. Hello, Christmas carols on the radio. And hello, sparkle and cookies and egg nog and the treats that will help us finally send 2016 off in a comforting and smile-inducing way.
