Look around you; the air is cooler, the leaves have fallen, and winter is fast approaching. Just last Wednesday we had our first taste of snow for the year. Now I know what you’re all thinking: “Christmas and the holidays mentioned already?” As we all know, this coming Wednesday is Halloween thus marking the unofficial start to the holiday season. And while every year it seems it comes upon us even earlier, is there a point at which it comes too early? Why do we allow ourselves to become so caught up in the coming months? And finally, does Christmas music ever become tiresome? (Long story short: yes).
As a child, the day after Halloween marked the start to the holiday season in my house. Just moments before the last trick-or-treaters rang our doorbell, one could find a newly set out cornucopia guarded by only the finest set of pilgrim salt and pepper shakers. I have fond memories of my mother putting up the tree just as the final float had crossed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route. Of course, the tree was long dead by the time Christmas Day actually rolled around.
Every year the holidays make their entry to our lives just a bit earlier than the year before. It doesn’t help of course that stores seem to fill their shelves with holiday decorations in mid-August, or early September at the latest. So why do we allow the holidays to rear their stressful heads so early?
The holiday season is one of joy, giving and family. Just speaking about the upcoming holidays can conjure certain feelings that only hot chocolate and candy canes can make right. It is the only time of year when thinking of someone besides yourself is not only accepted, but expected. In other words, the draw towards the holidays seems so natural, with the joy of giving being so addicting, and children waiting in suspense for Christmas Day. However, don’t allow yourself to get caught up hustle and bustle of the season. Enjoy each and every holiday as it comes. One of the biggest mistakes of the season is looking too much to the future for one to enjoy the present.
In the end, it’s inevitable that the holidays will continue to come earlier and earlier. It is almost as if the world itself needs a break from the monotony of daily life, so the holidays must come earlier. So as the season approaches, I encourage you to take a step back and appreciate every holiday for what it is. Enjoy the most wonderful time of year, but during its actual time. Trust me, there is plenty of time to belt out Wham! and Mariah Carey. Allow yourself the time for family, friends and, of course, the endless cycle of holiday parties. Everyday life isn’t going anywhere.
