As a Catholic who loves consumerism, I would definitely have to say that Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It is my favorite time of the year, and not my favorite day of the year. Because, as we all know, Christmas is now a season, it is not just a one day holiday.      

Christmas begins incredibly earlier than the actual day it falls on. Many people hate it. Many people hate going to their grocery store in late October and seeing Christmas-themed items. Many people hate those people who hang out their lights in early November. Many people don’t want to even think about Christmas before December. Why do people think and feel this way? I have no idea.     

I absolutely love early Christmas celebrations. I do understand that many people are concerned with Christmas becoming too commercial. Yes, if you spend all your time at department or toy stores and continuously look at TV and magazines, it is too commercial. However, if you take in the true spirit of Christmas and you volunteer at homeless shelters, go to church, or you wrap gifts for the less fortunate, then you won’t be surrounded by advertisement and you will be able to look past the commercialism of Christmas.      

I love a mix between the two. I love going to the mall and seeing all the lights and holiday-themed items. I love going to church and hearing the Father talk about the night Jesus was born. I love decorating my Christmas tree because my whole family will work together to make it beautiful. In my opinion, regardless of what other people feel, it’s perfectly fine to begin celebrating Christmas early. Here are five reasons why.    

1. There are too many aspects of Christmas to fit into just one month. Between Christmas movies to watch, plays to go to, parties to attend, songs to listen to and gifts to buy, you can’t possibly fit all of your Christmas activities into just one month.  

2. It only comes once a year. In my religion, Jesus is a pretty important guy. Well actually, without Jesus, my religion wouldn’t even exist. So, of course I don’t want to be like, “yay Jesus” for just a day. I want to be that way for a couple of months. He deserves more than just a day of celebration.  

3. 'Tis the season to be jolly. If you do it right, Christmas will put you in a better mood. So why not be in a better mood for a couple months rather than just for a day? Christmas makes people happy because they are giving gifts and helping others less fortunate then them. People are way happier when they give, than when they receive.    

4. More time to become the best gift giver. If you plan accordingly, you can get amazing, inexpensive gifts for others that they will actually love. People can tell when they receive a gift that someone put a lot of thought into. And, the happier you make people feel, the happier you will feel. 

5. Weather starts getting colder. Once it gets cold outside and you put on your jacket and beanie, you begin to do winter things, such as drinking warm drinks and sitting by the fire. Some people -- like me -- can’t help but associate winter things with Christmas things. So go ahead and listen to some Christmas music while you drink your hot chocolate by the fire in November.