Stores and commercials rush Christmas earlier each year. It is almost as if the second Halloween is over, the Christmas decorations are sprawled all over the shelves of our beloved stores. We know it is an awkward transition. How can I possibly listen to "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey on November 2, when a week ago I was humming "Thriller" by Michael Jackson? The truth is: you can't.

In need of guidance on how to transition from one thing to another, maybe I can look up to Ariana Grande, specifically her newest single "thank u, next." Just like Ariana waited until AFTER breaking up with Pete Davidson to write this song, maybe we can wait until AFTER Thanksgiving to start listening to Christmas music. It's not that Thanksgiving is like Pete Davidson and we are Ariana, eager to leave it and move onto our better life as an independent woman, but think of Thanksgiving as the experience you need to help progress yourself towards that Christmas mindset. It is called the holiday season for a reason, after all, right?

And when you think of the "holidays" celebrated at the end of the year, you include Thanksgiving, too. So, maybe Thanksgiving is not something we should exclude when we think about getting ready for the end of year holidays. Thanksgiving is like the ex-relationship we need to acknowledge, celebrate, and be grateful for.

Had a bad conversation at the Thanksgiving dinner table? Did someone bring up politics and or religion? Don't be sad about your possibly bad Thanksgiving experience. Instead, hold your head up high, say that you are thankful the experience, even if it is negative, and be ready for the next encounter, where your good attitude will most likely eliminate any further conflict. If you keep your head held high and conduct yourself in a mature fashion, acknowledging the past and recognizing that that mistake of eating too much turkey has turned you into a self-aware dinner table member who knows when it is time to say you're full at the Christmas dinner table.

Fully giving Thanksgiving the time, dedication, and attention it deserves as a national holiday celebrated by most Americans will allow ourselves to better prepare for the Christmas season. If one turkey taught you love, waiting until after Thanksgiving to play Christmas music will teach you patience, and I know that one might teach you pain, but I promise...by the time Christmas rolls around, you will be amazing.