Thankgiving, Christmas and everything else

So, I am writing this is response to a couple of friends who have posted their anti-Christmas music/shopping/spirit posts today and yesterday :P

 So I want to stand up for a different view point on the holiday jumble that comes this time each year.

 I am one of those who will be listening to Christmas music starting today. I am one who will be shopping as well. But let me explain why...

 I LOVE this time of year. Starting October 1st I am singing  "Most wonderful time of the year!" because it is! 3 months of awesomeness, good food, family time, awesome events, new experiences and just plain happy feelings.

 So yes, I listen to Christmas music come November 1st, not because I ignore Thanksgiving, it is one of my favorite holidays. It's because I LOVE Christmas music and would listen to it all year if I could, but Dan says no. It makes me happy, it inspires me. I have so many good memories connected to those songs, so many times with my family, all things I love to think on, and I want to create those same things for my kids. And to be honest, there is not enough time in 25 days to do that. So I take 55.

I shop now because I want to be doing the fun things in December. I want to go to parades and music programs. I want to watch the Star Trees light up and listen to carols, not slog through 30 minute lines for some toy that will be seeing Goodwill by next year. I shop now because I want to go pick and decorate my tree in December, I want to go for chilly walks to see the lights with my boys. I want to see their eyes light up with wonder, not space out do to boredom in the store.

 We celebrate Thanksgiving all through this, but the big day is the most important. We write what we are thankful for, we make turkeys and cook together, we laugh and play. We enjoy our time together. I don't do Black Friday or weekend, I don't like that level of commercialization. I spend it with the people I love. But I cannot do that if I leave my shopping and plans until December 1st. I am also one of the least stressed out people I know around the holidays, because I do what I love and don't try to do what everyone else is doing or saying they do.

 So the point to all this ranting? This November, when you hear someone listening to Christmas music, or gleefully singing along in the store, don't sigh or roll your eyes. They may just be like me, loving every last moment and getting as much as they can while they can. There are 310 other days in the year, less than 1/6th seems like very little to me.