October 1: Tree With the Lights, Wise Men, Bill Watterson, "Saint Marty's Day Eve"

And then occasionally the mountains part.  The tree with the lights in it appears, the mockingbird falls, and time unfurls across space like an oriflamme.  Now we rejoice . . .

Dillard could be describing Saint Marty's Day morning, with the parting mountains and glowing tree and rejoicing.  In just four days' time, all the people of the world will be gathering around their decorated tree to bask in the love and warmth and worship of Saint Marty.  Excitement is building.  I can feel it.

Which reminds me of the story of the three wise men of Saint Marty's Day.  They traveled from a far eastern university--an assistant wise man, an associate wise man, and the chair of the Wisdom Department.  They'd received a grant to seek out and adore Saint Marty.  They crossed interstates and rivers.  Ate at greasy spoons in Mississippi and Burger Kings in Illinois.  They followed the star app on their iPhones until they came to Saint Marty's house, where they worshiped him and presented him gifts--Amazon gift cards and Moleskine journals and tapioca pudding.  And when they left, they returned to their university, proclaiming the good news of Saint Marty.  After submitting their report, they all attained tenure and lived happily ever after.

Now you know the full legend of Saint Marty.

Saint Marty's Day Eve

by:  Bill Watterson

On the window panes the icy frost
Leaves feathered patterns, criped and crossed
But in our house the Saint Marty's Day tree
Is decorated festively
With tiny dots of colored light
That cozy up this autumn night.
 Saint Marty's Day songs familiar, slow
Play softly on the radio.
Pops and hisses from the fire
Whistle with the bells and choir.
Trying now to fall asleep
On my back and dreaming deep
Tomorrow's what I'm waiting for,
But I can wait a little more.

Rockefeller Center's Saint Marty's Day tree