It's hard to believe Sunday is Halloween, Thanksgiving is 26 days away, and it's exactly eight weeks until Christmas.
The six weeks we lost in August and September to four hurricanes have everybody off schedule. Didn't the kids just go back to school? Where's the cool weather? Where did autumn go?
But it's true. This weekend, trick or treat; all too soon, turkey. The year rolls on; we make the transition from candy corn to candy canes. Happy holidays.
And that means it's time for you, our readers, to let us know about your holiday lighting displays. This year the list will run Saturday, Dec. 4. The list of addresses and descriptions of elaborate exterior lighting displays is one of the most anticipated and best-read features of the year.
A coupon appears today on Page XF that you can mail or fax to us. Or you can fill in a form on our Web site (www.sptimes.com/holidaylights)
A couple of reminders:
* We list only outdoor displays that are accessible to the public. If yours is a gated community or a manufactured home park that does not allow the public to drive through, we can't run your listing.
* Be specific about what distinguishes your display from others. "Thousands of lights" or "winter wonderland" describes them all. What makes yours unique? Tell readers why yours is a display they don't want to miss.
* Tour-bus operators, please take note: We do not release copies of the list early.
* If you've created a Web site where readers can preview your display, please include that information.
* The list will be posted on the St. Petersburg Times Web site (sptimes.com) after it appears in the newspaper. There, you'll be able to click on an address and see a map so you can determine where the address is and how to get there.
* Sorry, no information will be taken over the phone.
* Deadline is Friday, Nov. 26.
Many of you are serial decorators: We hear from you year after year, and it's a pleasure to stay in touch each holiday season. We look forward to sharing your holiday spirit with all our readers.
