OK, people, chill out on the Christmas stuff. I mean, it is barely November! What happened to Thanksgiving? What happened to fall? What happened to plaid shirts, boots and changing leaves?
Listen, this year has already flown by fast enough. Do we really need to skip a whole other month ahead to Christmas? Can’t we just slow down and enjoy where we are today? Christmas will still come, I promise.
Isn’t it bad enough that with the time change it is already pitch-black out by the time we leave work? I am not ready to jump forward so it can be darker even earlier.
Although, I must say, when the girls and I drove from dance to church choir the other night and got to admire some houses all decorated from end to end in beautiful, luminous lights, it was pretty breathtaking. No, Sarah, not yet! It’s not time yet!
But, when my sister sent over her annual list of Christmas activities – which, yes, she maps out our whole holiday season every year – while slightly overwhelming, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of that Christmas magic shiver through me. It’s not even half-way through November! It is not Christmas season yet.
However, the thought of snuggling up with my girls on a chilly night under a nice cozy blanket watching some of our favorite holiday classics by the light of a Christmas tree sure does sound kind of nice about now. But, it is not even December yet! Isn’t that like breaking the rules? Sure, I know the stores turn to Christmas practically in August these days, but not me. It is just not time yet!
But let’s be honest, in these last two years, what has actually been on time? Everything has been chaos – and not really in a good way. And starting the Christmas season a little early, what really does that hurt?
I mean, think about it (yes, this may be me trying to convince myself), but Christmas brings softness to the heart of so many people. It is a time to love thy neighbor and reach out a helping hand. People seem to hold doors or pay for the car behind them in the drive thru line or just offer a smile or comforting word during the holidays. What is the harm ofstarting that up a little early? You and I both know that the world could use a whole lot more of that.
And our babies, think about what they have been through these last two years; so much uncertainty with masks, fear of the unknown, changes at school and quarantines. Wouldn’t it be nice to invite the spirit of Christmas into their hearts just a little early so that they may feel some sort of normalcy and magic for just a little longer this year?
So yes, sis, bring on your list – the Christmas festivals, Holiday Spectacular, Flip the Switch, breakfast with Santa, girls shopping trip, Christmas light tours, baking day, wrapping day, and Christmas musicals. I am ready.
In fact, I just may carry up my boxes of decorations this next week, blare some Mariah Carey Christmas tunes (always have to start with the best), and cherish the memories made while spending time with my babies putting each decoration in its well-known spot (and all the new spots that the girls think are more fitting).
With a little help, we may even go bigger on the outside decorations than we ever have. Oh, I am getting excited! Bring on the cinnamon smells and sugar cookies to decorate and just all the feels of the season.
But wait, I am so holding off on that dang elf. Nah, that thing is the ONLY thing that can wait until at least December to come back! Heck, I have enough trouble remembering to move it for 20-plus days, we definitely do not need any additional time with her.
But, as for everything else, bring it on. If there is one thing I have learned in the last two years, it is that life is short and you need to not only celebrate the present, but also enjoy all of the little things that make you happy.
And Christmas – the season and all the love and joy that goes into it – Christmas makes me happy. So, don’t mind me over here jumping on the bandwagon of all the too-soon-Christmas-crazies. Judge all you want, or feel free to join us. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen, you may get a little extra time enjoying (in my opinion) the best part of the year?
Either way, I am going to be spreading all the Christmas cheer – yes, starting in the middle of November – and I am going to enjoy every single second of celebrating with my girls.
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