The holidays are such a happy and wonderful time. They are all about spending time with your loved ones and following long-time traditions. Everybody has a different approach to the holiday season. In my family, we start decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween.
We tend to take on the 'Go Big or Go Home' method when it comes to Christmas. We do it all from a 10 foot-tall inflatable Snowman outside to hundreds of Santa figurines and a clock that sings a carol every hour, on the hour, inside. The decorations last from November 1st to January 1st.
That's right, two whole months worth of Christmas cheer! Year after year, we're told: "it's too early" that we're "skipping Thanksgiving" or that we "hate Thanksgiving" and quite frankly, I'm getting tired of people getting all worked up over how and when we celebrate our favorite holiday.
To all the early Christmas haters out there, this one goes out to you!
Don't worry, we own a calendar and are very well aware of the fact that it is the beginning of November. Thanksgiving doesn't get skipped, and we don't hate Thanksgiving either.
The only difference is, we're Rockin' Around and Eatin' Around the Christmas Tree. It's actually pretty sickening to me that there are people out there who want to bring down others for doing what makes them happy. Do OUR decorations in OUR house upset you that much? They shouldn't.
Contrary to what Rachel Gonzalez says in 'To The People Who Put Up Christmas Decorations Too Early', those of us who chose to decorate early don't use it as a chance to show off decorating skills. Don't worry, we have a Nativity scene as well as an Advent wreath with our other decorations that "don't make any sense."
Some of my best family memories and quality time come from spending the first week of November decorating the house together.
My love for this time of year goes far beyond the decorations and the real meaning of the holidays. I love the holiday season because of the joy and happiness it brings out in myself and others. Most, if not all people tend to be in a better mood because of the holiday season.
We should all be very well aware of the fact that the world we live in is not merry and bright. There are some pretty dark, gruesome, and scary things happening everywhere.
With that being said, we need to spread positivity and kindness now more than ever. What better and easier way to do that than throughout the holiday season? Buddy the Elf once said, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all the to hear." While that might get you more looks than anything, I guarantee you can make at least one person smile by doing that.
I want to encourage everyone to be a little nicer, and a little more caring this year. Everyone is fighting their own personal battles and who knows, maybe the early decorations will help someone get through whatever it is that they're going through. So instead of being a Grinch or Scrooge, try to respect those of us who want to decorate before you think it's acceptable to do so.
