Hey, you. Yes, you, with the tinsel! Put it down and step away from the Christmas music playlists. Check the calendar, would you? It’s still November!
In our exceedingly capitalist culture, the emphasis on Christmas (the major cash-grabbing holiday of the year) has gotten out of control. Christmas decorations can be seen cropping up in stores as early as mid-October. Red, green, and glittery poinsettias mock us from the shelves, trying to jump start our holiday spirit and get us in the money-spending mood.
Just this past weekend, right before the beginning of November, my family and I were out shopping for fall decorations (fake leaves, turkeys, pumpkins) for my sister’s fall-themed baby shower. We were shocked to find garland and bows stocking the shelves instead. All the scarecrows and acorns were in a tiny, pathetic corner, neglected and forgotten.
This seems unacceptable to me. In the name of defending the great month of November, here are some reasons why Christmas needs to slow its roll and stay in December where it belongs:
1. Christmas spirit has all the time in the world — once we hit December 1.
This is essentially the crux of my argument. We aren’t asking for much, here, okay? If you want to wear Christmas sweaters and sing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” every single day, feel free to do so — when we get to December 1. You have an entire month to celebrate and be jolly. Let Thanksgiving have its turn.
2. Thanksgiving dinner.
Are you kidding me? Do I have to explain this? I know that holiday baking has its benefits, but come on. Stop trying to gloss over my turkey dinner.
3. The weather won’t be this nice again for months.
Everyone wants to rush through November, but these are our last days of sunshine with any kind of warmth, crunchy leaves, and ground that isn’t covered in some kind of mush or slush (at least in Pennsylvania). Take a breath of the crisp air and appreciate that you don’t quite have to bundle up in a parka every day -- yet.
4. You don’t have to buy anyone anything for Thanksgiving.
This one is showing my weakness (or rather, broke-ness) as a college student, but it’s a serious concern for a lot of people. The tradition of gift-giving is great, but the feeling of obligation to buy can sometimes be a real burden on those of us without a lot to give. At Thanksgiving, the most you’re expected to contribute is a food dish of some kind for the family meal. Simple and much easier on the wallet, yet still thoughtful and heartwarming. It’s perfect.
5. Thanksgiving is still a time of giving — just not the materialistic kind.
Like I just said, gift-giving is great, but it can also stressful and kind of shallow. In November, though, the spirit of gratitude is at the forefront, and we try to help those in need before thinking of ourselves.
For example, food drives become more prominent, and volunteering opportunities abound. When I was a kid, every year around this time, my mom, my sister and I would volunteer at a huge charity dinner in our area serving food to those less fortunate than us in our community. It was heartbreaking and inspiring to serve those without a family to celebrate with and those who couldn’t afford a meal of such extravagance.
These are the kind of things that are worth being remembered, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time for that. Get outta here, Christmas!
Now, there’s nothing objectively wrong with having Christmas spirit. People tend to enjoy Christmas for many more reasons than gift-giving. Generally, Christmas and other major holidays in December are a time when families come together after a busy year, and this is definitely something to look forward to. I know for me, Christmas is usually the only time that I see my extended family.
The problem arises when the Christmas spirit is shoved down our collective throats as early as mid-October or early November.
December and Christmas will come when they come; for now, we need to enjoy where we’re at. Step on a leaf while they’re still crunchy. Make a good pumpkin pie or two before they go out of season. Enjoy the crisp air before it becomes too frigid to leave the house without a coat. Stop. Take a breath. Enjoy November while it’s here.
