Last night, as I was walking out the door, fully prepared to catch the bus home, somebody told me about the tree lighting ceremony at Santana Row. On an impulse, I decided to attend.

The tree, which stood in front of the Hotel Valencia, was at least twenty-five feet tall and was beautifully decorated, but lacked originality. I was expecting it to have some character, perhaps with Tiffany ornaments and gold-trimmed ribbons by Burberry. Instead, it was outfitted in the tree chic of white lights and dull decorations.

Commendably, the event organizers truly created a sense of community for the neighborhood. Residents and visitors milled around the plaza. It was a family-friendly celebration with roaming carolers and magicians. Eggnog, apple cider and desserts were served at the street corners and waiters carrying large trays of sushi rolls wondered through the crowd. The San Jose Youth Symphony's Flute Choir performed in front of the tree. While a block away, in the food pavilion, a jazz ensemble played a medley of Christmas tunes. It felt like December in November.

After the tree had been lit, I ventured into Borders Books, ordered a large Moose Munch Mocha and wrote for a little while. As I left the bookstore, I paused for a minute, gazed up at the lofts overlooking the plaza and then closed my eyes to imagine what life would be like living there. I sighed deeply before walking briskly to the bus stop for the long journey home.