My reams of Christmas music and my big down coat both come out midway through autumn. I'm one of those people easily wearied by cold, dreary weather (not to mention the accompanying cold, dreary college admissions deadlines), so as soon as it gets chilly enough to induce the blues, I consider it chilly enough to break out the carols.

And the cookies, which warrant much less of an objection from my little brother.

Some people I know (Hi, Mom!) can get downright scrooge-y when it comes to unseasonably early Christmas displays, the playing of "Silent Night" before Thanksgiving, and even the weari...