Trares
The Polar Express has left the station, and there’s no slowing down this train.
Readers of this column know one of my biggest peeves is jumping the gun on seasonal celebrations. This time of year is when my annoyance is at its worst.
The candles inside the Halloween jack-o-lanterns were still smoldering when it seemed like someone flipped the switch to Christmas. Satellite radio touted the start of holiday-only music channels, with strains of “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” blaring while fall leaves still clung to the trees. Stores hung garland and put up lights, with everything shimmering in red, green, silver and gold.
I would say the Hallmark Channel unveiled their Christmas-themed movies, but they had started playing those in mid-October.
And there are Anthony and my wife, circling like sharks catching the scent of blood in the water.
They’ve been looking longingly at the Christmas decorations stacked in the garage. I can hear them humming carols under their breaths. “Home Alone” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” are already cued up on TV.
A platter of “Elf” themed cookies appeared in our kitchen.
So far, I’ve stood my ground. I’m steadfast that nothing Christmas happens yet — though I’ve softened my stance some. The day after Thanksgiving used to be the earliest I’d entertain holiday festivities. Now, I’m willing to get the tree out and start unpacking ornaments the weekend before Thanksgiving.
But no earlier.
Still, for all of my grinchy-ness, I understand. Though I know it’s not true for everyone, in our family, the holiday season is filled with warmth and joy and celebration.
Restricting it to December seems like cutting it short; who does it hurt to extend it a few weeks into November? Are we truly missing out on something special, like Thanksgiving specials and pilgrim-focused events?
Anthony was sitting on the living room floor the other day, flipping through the Christmas catalogs that had come in the mail. He had his marker in hand, circling the toys and games that he hoped to ask Santa for. And I got down with him, helping him look at everything and hearing the excitement in his voice.
I hope he never loses that excitement this time of year.
If taking full advantage of the holiday season — and with it the opportunity to get festive with friends and family for nearly two months — means breaking my own grouchy rules, so be it. Deck the halls and everything.
Still no Christmas music yet, though.
Ryan Trares is a senior reporter and columnist for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
