I'm one of those people.
You know, the type that thinks it's NEVER too early for Christmas!!
Yeah, I said it. And I'll say it again.
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS!
I've seen comments all over Twitter and Facebook about how retailers are pushing Christmas too early, commercials for Christmas shopping are jumping the gun, and people who put up their Christmas tree before Thanksgiving are CRAZY.
Well call me CRAZY. If I could put up the tree right now, I would. But being 34 weeks pregnant makes it kinda difficult. But trust me that I've thought about it!
Seems like the concern is that we're just glossing over Thanksgiving and heading straight to the commercial nightmare that has become Christmas.
Valid concern, for sure!
For me, putting up a tree and listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies doesn't mean I'm forgetting about Thanksgiving. If anything, it's a way to PREPARE for the Holiday of Thanks.
As a Christian, Christmas and Easter are the top two most important holidays of the year. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ, and Easter is when we celebrate His ultimate sacrifice- His death for our lives.
Christmas to me is more than just shopping for the best presents. Take away the glitter, the lights, the parties, and the gifts- we can get to the heart of the holiday.
Even though Thanksgiving isn't here yet, I love getting into the Christmas spirit because the Christmas season is truly a time of thanks, good tidings, and new beginnings. I feel that Thanksgiving is more of an extension of Christmas. Sort of like the pre-party.
Thanksgiving is a time where families come together, share love and laughter, and give thanks for the many blessings in their lives. Why stop there? Christmas is also a time where families come together and reflect on their blessings, shower each other with love.
I don't understand why there is a set timetable for these holidays. In my opinion, November to January is an entire season to celebrate with thanks and love. Why wait to get into the Christmas spirit? Is it sooooo bad to be spread Christmas cheer in November?
Why not set the mood for the Christmas spirit in November and have it carry on into the New Year? What is the big deal? Trust me that I will celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on all that I've been blessed with in my life. I'm thankful for my family, my husband, our bundle of joy that will arrive soon, my job, being able to live in Paradise.
But that doesn't mean I can't listen to some Christmas tunes or put up my Christmas tree.
Or watch Elf on repeat.
I love the idea of giving thanks for several months - no need to limit it! But I'll admit, I don't like stores chasing in early either. WE can celebrate now, but stores should wait please!
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First, I have to point out that your blog post was published at 11:11AM - Love that!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I love that you are one of *those* people! I have to admit -- I'm one of *those* people who cringe when I see or hear Christmas anything prior to December 1st, but I think you have made some very valid points here in this post, and perhaps this year I will embrace it:)
I love Christmas. I really do. But I remember even saying in school that Thanksgiving is getting overlooked. I can't overlook the feast and the joy that Turkey Day brings and how the kitchens smell great. Thanksgiving's like that perfect setup you need to get even more ready for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love giving thanks anytime and I think Turkey Day gets overlooked cause people think it celebrates gluttony and doesnt have flashy sales or events. Even the macy's Day parade ends with Santa Claus. I can hold off on Christmas til Black Friday haha.
You know I'm with you on the faith perspective. Funny thing is one of my friends started this discussion with me the other day and is threatening to play Christmas music when we hang out on Friday.
I feel the same way! I'm not a Christian, but for me, Christmas has always been about family and friends, spending time together, showing each other how much you care (not just through presents), and also extending love and concern to those you don't know. I love the feeling of Christmas. I think that it often brings out the very best in people.
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving is definitely the pre-party. It starts the season of giving and sharing with a day of reflection and thankfulness for all that you have. It couldn't be more perfect. :)
Elf on repeat sounds like my dream date :) I feel the same way. Christmas should last all year! :D
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