Do you get extremely excited for the holidays before the leaves start falling off the trees? Are you consumed by Christmas traditions the day after Halloween? If so, you may be experiencing premature Christmas excitement. Here are some signs that may help you diagnose the situation -- and remember you’re not alone in this, I promise.
The Music
Listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween is a sure sign. It is also the most common symptom. There are no rules in your book about when it's appropriate to start singing along to these tunes, and you take advantage of it whenever you can. When the radio stations start playing holiday music, it's the only station allowed on in your car until the season is over. Changing your ringtone to a classic holiday song as soon as Halloween is over is also another indication.
The Decorations
Do you go crazy with Christmas décor early on? Many stores encourage this premature decoration, as they start selling holiday décor very early. Who needs Halloween decorations when you can start purchasing new ornaments or cute light up snowmen in October? If you find yourself at a department store searching for Christmas accessories in early November, add it to the list of symptoms. At least by the time Christmas rolls around you, will have accumulated enough decorations to show all kinds of spirit. Your house or apartment will most likely look like Buddy the Elf decorated it himself.
The Movies
ABC Family’s 25 days of Christmas is way too late to start watching holiday movies for you. You might find yourself conducting a google search on when the first Christmas movie will be aired this year. Then you may proceed to surf the channels daily so you can start recording and watching them before December. There is also most likely a massive collection of Christmas movies sitting in your residence somewhere that isn’t collecting dust because you’ve taken them out of their cases to watch too many times.
The Clothes
Do you own an excessive amount of Christmas pajamas, shirts, leggings, or jewelry? I’m not talking about the occasional sweater you may wear with snowflakes or that one pair of Santa earrings. I’m talking about the full blown outfits, such as matching pajamas with socks, crazy reindeer ears, or wacky Christmas tree leggings that may light up. This is a sure sign.
The Food
It’s not just eating various forms of holiday desserts. Your meals are often Christmas themed, including your coffee. You find yourself eating a Christmas-themed cereal (yes this does exist), and Christmas cookies for breakfast. Eggnog becomes the essential beverage at every meal, and of course you can’t forget the holiday mugs, plates, forks, and spoons that go along with the food. You may also go a little nuts with the baking, and you find yourself giving out cookies to all your neighbors and friends because you have attempted to make every type of cookie possible to practice for December.
So what should you do now?
You're probably asking yourself this question if you've realized that you have most or all of these symptoms. To be honest, there is nothing you can do about it. Do not be alarmed that there is no treatment, premature Christmas excitement is very common among humans and for the most part is harmless. The best thing to do is embrace it, and enjoy the holidays! However, I did forget to mention one thing. It is extremely contagious, so if you're reading this and you have confirmed that you don't have it, watch out because it can sneak up on you fast. I caught it while writing this article.
