Technically, Halloween lasts for another 23 minutes. But really it’s over. I can’t imagine too many kids are still out there trick-or-treating.

And I personally don’t have a problem with Halloween.It really is about kids getting to dress up and have fun and get lots of candy. I mean really what other time will you get to interact with your neighbors and their kids and show them the love of Jesus? When else will you get such a perfect opportunity? Just thought I’d throw that in there for what it’s worth.

The best part about Halloween is what comes after. It’s almost like I can really start anticipating Thanksgiving and Advent season and then, my favorite of them all, Christmas.

Part of me still wishes that retail stores would hold off on the inevitable Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. At least until after Halloween. But then again, as I get older this part of the year tends to fly by so much faster with each passing year.

I can’t wait to bring out my colossal collection of Christmas movies and music. I have to admit that when it comes to all things Christmas, I like the old stuff. All the old movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife, White Christmas and Christmas in Connecticut really make me feel all Christmas-y inside. And there’s nothing like Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole to put me in the perfect holiday mood.

Part of it is pure nostalgia. All the old music and vintage decorations really bring me back to when I was a kid and all those people I’ve loved and lost were still a part of my life. It’s like I can remember them more vividly at this time of year than any other time.

Plus, fall is my favorite season. All the crisp weather conjures up visions of bonfires and hayrides and s’mores (with burnt marshmallows) and hot dogs (that are hopefully not burnt).

Oh, and I really like that all those Starbucks out there now have pumpkin spice everything on their menus.