Sights About Town during the Holidays

Christmas in Tucson is a strange experience for somebody like me.  I lived in Colorado all my life and the winter season meant buying gloves and hats because you NEEDED them and stocking up on hot chocolate and marshmallows and wood for the fireplace.  If it didn't snow on Christmas, it was quite possible that you had some slush or ice piled up somewhere on your property and that the brown trees could once again flourish with bright lights instead of green leaves.

But here in Tucson, it's 75 degrees; the cactus, especially the tall ones, are wearing little Santa caps and there are cardboard cutouts of snow scenes and Christmas lights all around.  But our tree is ripe with lemons and the neighbor's oranges are hanging over into our yard.  In the nursery, poinsettia plants are standing alongside pansies and petunias,  The stores are carrying cold weather gear and I see people walking in the morning (it's 55 degrees then) with ear muffs and gloves and parkas, while others are jogging in shorts.  Very strange....

But then, some things are the same.  The volunteers are ringing their bells for the Salvation Army Kettles and the food banks and Toys for Tots are vying for donations.   There are people in need everywhere.  Don't pass up the kettle or forget to buy an extra toy for a child.