(Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Renda) Present underneath the tree patiently waiting to be opened the next morning.
Kaitlyn Renda
Connector Staff
Early November really is the epitome of fall. Every store sells pumpkin-flavored items and apple cider. Beautiful colors and perfect weather are apparent every day. You hear the crunch of leaves as you walk to class. But along with the sound of this crunch, you hear something else, something that is welcomed by some and hated by others. The sound of sleigh bells everywhere, and the smell of peppermint in the air. Christmas time is here!
Some might say it’s way too early to celebrate, but for me, it is the perfect time. Few things bring people more joy than the Christmas spirit, so why not celebrate as early as possible?
I really enjoy holidays in general, but there is something special about Christmastime. There is a lightness in the air that can only be found around Christmas. Everyone is just happy and willing to spread that happiness to others. November is truly the perfect time to start celebrating.
It also gives you the proper time to get everything checked off your Christmas bucket list. You can decorate cookies, look at lights, and have Christmas movie nights, all without the pressure of the season ending soon. It also gives you the optimal time to buy your friends and family gifts. If you wait too long, you could miss holiday-season sales, or one of your gifts could take a while to ship. By starting this early, the stress of gift shopping is lessened immensely.
I understand how it can be annoying to some. Although constantly hearing “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and having to spend insane amounts of money on gifts for other people can be frustrating, it is truly the happiest time of the year. So many people are grateful to be surrounded by loved ones and just be thankful for the year that just passed. While Thanksgiving also provides people with a reason to be thankful, I truthfully feel people are more grateful during the Christmas season.
Thanksgiving is definitely a nice holiday. Families travel far and wide to see each other and eat some delicious food around the table. While making memories with your family on Thanksgiving is fun, there is not much else Thanksgiving offers you. The food is good, but Christmas food is better in every category. What else do you have to do on Thanksgiving other than eating and talking? On Christmas, you can do all that and more. After you eat, you can give presents to each other and, at least in my family, laugh at the funny gifts your uncle buys for your family.
I’m not saying to stop celebrating Thanksgiving. I think it is still a great holiday, and it deserves to be celebrated. In my mind, Thanksgiving Day is a break from the Christmas celebration. Then, on Friday, Christmas resumes.
It is also such a nostalgic time of year. As I continue to grow older, I try as hard as possible to maintain the same amount of Christmas magic I felt when I was little. Some of my favorite childhood memories happened during the Christmas season. Truly, nothing beats the excitement of not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve as a little kid.
Christmas just makes the whole world happier. Look at all the beautiful decorations that are set up. Massive trees are decorated with everything under the sun, and stockings are hung from every mantel. Deep shades of red and green fill every space, creating a festive atmosphere wherever you go. It is especially beautiful when mixed with fresh, fluffy snow.
So, the next time you see lights or hear Christmas music in early November, think about how the Christmas season makes you feel. Do you get the same sense of cheer that I do? If not, I encourage you to make the most out of this holiday season. Go drink peppermint hot chocolate and watch a classic holiday movie. Life is too short to limit the Christmas spirit to just one month, so make the most out of this upcoming Christmas season!
