Before Christmas, the preschool students put on a program. It included Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, We Three Kings and Jingle Bells. We sang them every week to prepare. Just kidding, we sang because it was fun. 

When January rolled around, kids would still ask for Jingle Bells. We all chimed in, with or without actual bells in our hands, and although we did no dashing through the snow, it was great. 

Now we are into February, and there were full throated requests for all four songs. Why not? 

As I looked into their sweet faces I thought about some of the people who feel strongly about boundaries around holidays. The tree comes down on December 26th. No carols before Thanksgiving. Don't let your cards arrive late. 

But four-year-olds either don't know those stipulations, or do not care. They are present in the moment, and if we are singing about a Baby asleep in the straw, the calendar doesn't get to judge. 

What do labels like early and late mean? In heaven, there is no arbitrary measure of time. I aspire to that kind of contentment, as I tap my toes for snow drops, or hurry to pay our car insurance before the deadline. 

But in the meantime, I have a room full of people ready for another chorus.