Halloween is officially over, Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas is right around the corner. One would think that it is time to really embrace fall and all that it has to offer — from it's amazing, crisp weather to the leaves beginning to change colors. Except in the distance, one can hear the faint sound of Christmas carolers singing the Mariah Carey classic, "All I Want For Christmas." You may be wondering why on Earth you would be hearing holiday music before Thanksgiving dinner, and you aren't the only one. Many people, including myself, are wondering why we would just skip an entire holiday that focuses on giving thanks to those we love and the other people and events in our lives that have made us who we are today.
Some people are very excited about the presents they will be receiving. Granted, who doesn't love the great surprise of a free gift from a close friend or family member? There's nothing like the feeling you get in your stomach as you are first handed the wrapped present and start to wonder what it could be, and the giant smile on your face while you tear open the gift to reveal the amazing present you have just received from a loved one.
Others love the music and the movies that are played during the holiday season, which are also beginning earlier and earlier each year. ABC Family's annual Christmas movie event, "25 Days of Christmas," really begins to amp people up for the Christmas season since they play holiday specials every day beginning on Dec. 1 and ending on Christmas Day. Granted, that special begins after Thanksgiving, but the network is sure to announce the movie and TV specials that they plan on airing on Nov. 1. This prompts everyone to start decking the halls a lot sooner than expected. Let's not forget certain radio stations love to play the holiday classics right when Halloween ends, prompting everyone to rock around their nearest Christmas tree.
While reading this, you may think I'm the Grinch who wants to kill your Christmas spirit. Let me assure you that I am 100 percent guilty of being excited for Christmas the second Halloween is over. In fact, I texted my friends on Nov. 1st telling them that it's officially the first day of Christmas. It is one of my favorite holidays. Presents, songs, movies, the cold weather, hot cocoa — there is so much to love about the holiday. However, with the celebrations beginning earlier and earlier each year, you will begin to see people getting stressed out about the holidays sooner.
We build up these expectations of a certain day in the year to be filled with snow and Christmas joy that are almost impossible to meet. These impossible expectations just lead to unnecessary stress. We, as a society, are beginning to lose sight of what the holiday season is truly about. Being with your friends and family and just being happy to have these people in your life. So, the next time you listen to some "Jingle Bell Rock" on Nov. 3, just remember that Thanksgiving still exists and Christmas will have its time to truly shine afterwards, beginning on the day that truly shows everyone's inner crazy: Black Friday.
