I was minding my own business walking through Costco last week, and I happened to notice something out of the ordinary; It was bright and shining when I saw it out of the corner of my eye. It was a twinkling Christmas tree, three of them actually, along with a snowman, a reindeer, and other Christmas related décor on display for the upcoming holiday. I thought to myself, “Isn’t it October? I just took my midterms, didn’t I?”

As I looked at all the lights, I dreamed of winter break and the joy I would feel without the pressure of homework and deadlines, but then another feeling came over me: anger. I’m sure the people around me at Costco were wondering why I was staring at the Christmas trees with different facial expressions ranging from smiles to a confused face, along with my expressive eyebrows.

I was mad that Christmas was taking over my October and Halloween. Excuse me, but I want to stuff my face with candy and wear some dorky outfit with my friends and family one night a year. Please don’t ruin that for me. I realize that retail stores want to get their products out to sell more and gain the profit, but come on. Put that candy on clearance rather than bring out the fat man in the red suit.

Maybe this was only Costco that was toying with my feelings, but then I went to my favorite store, Kohl’s, and they too had their Christmas decorations out with ornaments and all. Now, I don’t know who decided to mix these two very different holidays. Maybe it was The Nightmare Before Christmas, and we can all blame Tim Burton, but I’d like to blame the marketing teams.

As a society, I think we are rushing into Christmas, buying gifts, and saving more money. Here's a change I believe all retailers should make. I’d like to personally thank and applaud REI for their #OptOutside campaign to be closed on Black Friday. Other retailers have joined in on this and I believe it is a great idea. Thanksgiving is meant for people to be with their families and friends, and how can they do that if they are working, helping people buy gifts early and on sale?

I think today’s society should slow down and enjoy the time that these holidays allow us to have. We all start to rush as the year ends. Halloween comes and goes, and then the majority of stores now put their Christmas decorations up. What happened to waiting until Black Friday? Or now Cyber Monday? Enjoy the time you have with your family this holiday season.