There are two types of people in the world: those who celebrate Christmas as soon as November comes around, and those who are very adamant about waiting at least until Thanksgiving. I am one of those people who struggle in the middle. The Christmas season (besides autumn in general) is what I look forward to every year. When I walk through the mall after Halloween, I can’t help but smile at the trees in the windows, the atmosphere surrounding the holiday themed merchandise, and the music playing faintly in the background. This joyous mood is suddenly deteriorated when I hear someone scoff behind me that he or she “absolutely refuses to get into spirit of Christmas so early.” I read these comments online and I hear it in stores. Why do people detest Christmas before its time? What is wrong with people who want to start celebrating early? Here are some of my thoughts as to why it is appropriate to get into the spirit before December 1^st, despite anyone who would disagree (or hopefully agree) otherwise.

1. I look forward to picking out gifts for family and friends. To me, picking out the perfect gift or two takes time and assessment. I think of the people closest to me, and what their interests are. Then, I try to think of what they need, want, or don’t know that they need. I want my gift to mean something to them, almost as if it was the only gift I was ever going to give them. It is one of my love languages. I want them to know that I thought about it hard enough that when I got it for them, it was because it was from my heart.

2. The music. Period. There is something about Christmas music that makes you want to tap the steering wheel or dance in public. We don’t have a lot of songs about Valentine’s Day or Independence Day; but we do for Christmas. And we only get to hear it for a short amount of time at the end of the year. It will be everywhere, and I will sing every song. I don’t find it annoying. There is a reason that there are so many Christmas songs. This season is a time of creativity in addition to everything else it has to offer.

3. It does magic against my mental health. As soon as Christmas is in season, my mood changes for the better. I look forward to things. Baking cookies, music, twinkling lights, hints of snowflakes in the Kentucky night sky, ice skating, peppermint, and sweaters are just a few things that I find myself wanting to get involved with. I want to go to Christmas parties, see the Nutcracker Ballet, participate in White Elephant, watch Christmas movies, and just be 100% in the spirit. I forget about my social anxiety, my claustrophobia, and my worried about being around people. I want to be where I am, and I don’t take that feeling for granted.

4. I can be thankful for Christmas. Thanksgiving is like an extra celebration in preparation for Christmas. Where I grew up, Christmas was usually in full swing as people bought gifts before stores ran out, and stocking up for Thanksgiving dinner. Looking forward to Christmas made the snow seem a little less daunting. Everyone reached out to family and I looked forward to celebrating with family every year. I anticipate Thanksgiving knowing full well what comes afterward!

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion about when to start celebrating Christmas. I will not judge anyone who has already put up their decorations, or those who post statuses about their frustrations with hearing Christmas music too early. Sometimes people need a bit of an early Christmas to realize what matters to them. The spirit of Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and music; it is a mentality. So, if you are like me and don’t want to be teased for your “pre-mature” Christmas spirit, you have until December 26^th to celebrate your favorite holiday. So, happy Christmas from me to you!