As soon as November arrives, I dive headfirst into the festive spirit with Christmas music. I kick things off with timeless classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Burl Ives, which take me back to my childhood memories with my grandmother. She would pull out her vintage wooden record player every year, playing those cherished vinyl records while whipping up a batch of English toffee. Once I’ve had my fill of the classics—usually around Thanksgiving—I switch gears to Mariah Carey and Kenny G. With the vast world of streaming music at my fingertips, there’s no shortage of holiday tunes to enjoy. I even stumbled upon a Christmas album by Bad Religion last year, which I highly recommend.
I often catch flak from my coworkers, my spouse, and anyone who rides in my car for embracing the Christmas spirit so early. But you know what? I relish every moment of it. The mere thought of Christmas brings me joy; I love wandering through the holiday aisles, jingling bells, and inhaling that delightful pine scent. Living in Oregon, I cherish the experience of visiting Christmas tree farms to cut down my own tree, marveling at the drive-thru light displays, and indulging in my favorite Christmas films. Until recently, I would even sneak in a viewing of “Elf” or “A Christmas Story” in July just to get my holiday fix, but now my kids dominate the TV, preventing me from indulging in my guilty pleasures. However, I can assure you that once they leave the nest, those movies will return to the summer rotation.
For some reason, it has become socially acceptable to criticize those of us who want to bask in the joy of Christmas year-round. I find it baffling that people feel the need to tell me to turn off the holiday tunes or roll their eyes when I celebrate the early arrival of peppermint ice cream or Christmas decorations. Just the other day, I saw someone lamenting on social media about a store’s holiday section, declaring it too soon.
Listen, let’s not be joy thieves. In fact, studies suggest that those who celebrate Christmas early tend to be happier. It’s harmless, and no one has ever been hurt by the jolly spirit of Santa. I’ll admit I wait a bit longer to bring out the Elf on the Shelf, primarily because I keep forgetting to move him around. But really, is there ever a wrong time to build a gingerbread house? Let us holiday enthusiasts revel in our simple pleasures.
The True Spirit of Christmas
Christmas is a once-a-year celebration, and starting the festivities early is nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, it can be commercialized and expensive, but it’s also a time of generosity and goodwill, when smiles and kindness abound. I wish we could embody that spirit all year long. In fact, if we had 365 days of Christmas, I wouldn’t complain, and I bet you wouldn’t either.
So, when your colleague cranks up the holiday playlist, don’t be a Grinch about it; join in the fun. When your partner wants to explore the Christmas aisle as soon as it appears, embrace the magic. If your neighbor sets up their winter wonderland before Halloween’s even over, simply smile and wave. And if your mom puts up her tree before Thanksgiving, don’t get upset—help her out instead.
Christmas is a beautiful time filled with love and warmth. Take a moment to accept it rather than resist it. Don’t bring others down; instead, be a source of joy. You might find that by letting go of your frustration, you not only become happier but also immerse yourself in the festive spirit for a longer time. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to enjoy that feeling for just a bit longer? For more insights on this topic, you can check out this other post here.
Conclusion
In summary, embracing Christmas early should be celebrated, not scorned. It’s a source of happiness for many, fostering goodwill and joy during the most wonderful time of the year.