Silver bells, silver bells. It’s Christmas time in the city.

The trees along College Walk sparkle, sending out the holiday vibe I usually only get from Christmas cards. Across campus, miles of twinkling white lights gleam, nudging me just a little closer to the holiday spirit. I’m not usually an earlier celebrater; maybe it’s because I typically do my Christmas shopping on the 24th, but for whatever reason, I tend to wait ‘til later in December to embrace the holiday mood.

The hustle and bustle going on aboutst (ain’t that a nice word?) the city, though, is making the mood come a little earlier this year. Last week, I watched a dozen or so workers set up the huge coniferous in Rockefeller Center — and as I walked away from the square, dodging the trumpeting angels, I started humming carols.

Ring-a-ling, hear them sing. Soon it will be Christmas day.