This week I've decided to explain why I have chosen to begin celebrating Christmas at this point in the year. I've already begun playing Christmas music, buying Christmas gifts for my friends and embracing the Christmas spirit. My suitemates have admittedly said that they think I'm crazy, and I'm sure to anyone who doesn't understand my logic, celebrating Christmas in August seems insane. Therefore, allow me to explain why I've chosen to begin celebrating Christmas early.
1. Music
The first reason that I have begun celebrating Christmas early is because of the year-long appeal of Christmas music. No matter how many times you've heard the songs, some songs, like Jingle Bells and Holly Jolly Christmas, always bring a smile to your face. Despite the heat and humidity of a South Carolina summer, these songs bring joy and a Christmas chill to your spine, entirely unrelated to the weather.
2. Decorations
As a college female, Christmas lights have a place in my dorm and my suite year-round. There is just something about the twinkle and glow of Christmas decorations that goes such a long way toward lifting your spirits. So I believe it is understandable why I would want to wrap my room in Christmas lights and maybe a wreath or two beginning in the sultry month of August.
3. Weather
During the month of August in South Carolina, I simply can't see the harm in dreaming of a white Christmas. Although I love the sunshine and the clear blue sky, I also enjoy dreaming of a nip in the air and the possibility of snow that comes with a South Carolina Christmas. While the snow may not be particularly likely, I can still dream. During our 100 degree days, looking forward to a time for our winter coats will not hurt anyone.
4. Clothing
As I've already mentioned, Christmastime is the time for winter coats. It is also the time for cute boots, ugly sweaters and fuzzy pants. When I look around in my classes at the girls clad in tank tops and tiny shorts, I can't help but look forward to a time when everyone is layered in scarves and coats as a necessity.
5. The Opportunity to Feel Like a Kid Again
The other reason I enjoy celebrating Christmas early is because I then get to hold on to the feeling of being a child for that much longer. I get to embrace the excitement and giddiness I still feel when thinking about buying presents, decorating and dancing around to Christmas music. I get to experience the anticipation of Christmas for so much longer than the mere month that separates Thanksgiving and Christmas.
6. The Christmas Spirit
Most importantly of all, I've started celebrating Christmas in August, because I believe that we should embrace the true spirit of Christmas year-round. At Christmastime, individuals perform random acts of kindness, embrace others and spread the joy of the season. By moving my celebrating of the festive season to an even earlier time, I get to adopt the joy and kindness of Christmas in my own life for an entire year.
