I love Christmas. I love it almost as much as I love Halloween. The movies, the songs, the hunt for the perfect tree to decorate, the cookies, the hectic gift shopping, family coming together, and Santa Clause. It’s a great time. The most wonderful time, in fact. I can see why people get so excited for it after Halloween ends, But I don’t condone participating yet. I’m no Grinch, but aren’t we forgetting something? Like, I don’t know, another holiday within that span of almost two months in between…?
When I went to Walmart on November 2nd, the poles outside stood covered in candy cane-inspired twirls and an artificial fir peaked out from Subway’s glass window by the entrance. I couldn’t even get out of the entryway before facing a huge sign that shouts “Light Up Christmas.” I went back two days later to be forcefully welcomed by a towering blown-up Christmas tree next to the building. I couldn’t believe it. There were still Halloween costumes and makeup on one of the seasonal shelves waiting to be sold.
Black Friday, which famously comes the day after Thanksgiving, is typically projected to be the biggest shopping day of the year. It’s understandable why stores want to get customers thinking about it, but isn’t doing it the day after Halloween a little stingy? Thanksgiving isn’t exactly the most thrilling of holidays with Christmas coming so soon after, but it’s important. It’s the official day to recognize what we’re thankful for. I don’t mean to imply that we shouldn’t have gratitude year-round, but this day is meant specifically for that purpose. The meaning behind it is pretty special.
With Christmas decorations going up and yuletide carols being sung as soon as November hits, it’s getting harder for Thanksgiving to stay relevant. Retail companies have been rapidly making people forget its origins since the creeping of Black Friday into Thursday night over the past few years. Despite the sales and despite the temptations the festive season has to offer, we need to keep in mind why we gather with our families and friends on Thanksgiving. We should take the time to appreciate the valuable parts of our lives.
However, I know it’s a big deal, so I guess if you truly must be jolly and absolutely can’t contain yourself from belting out “All I Want for Christmas is You,” or quoting Elf a little more than usual, then I say at least wait until the third week of November.
-Vanessa Donadio
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