Unless you've been living in a cave, you've probably noticed that people have been putting up their Christmas decorations earlier and earlier each year. And it always seems to incite a reaction. Whether it's confusion and disgust, maybe at the fact that Christmas is becoming increasingly commercialised, or a sense of excitement and anticipation that the festive season is approaching (even if at a great distance!).
Personally, I think people should have the right to celebrate however (and whenever!) they want. I'm more interested in asking 'WHY?'
Why are we drenching our houses in lights the very second Halloween has ended and greeting people at our door with giant snowmen and candy canes before the trees have lost their leaves?
Could it be that we need something to cheer us up? We don't need to be diagnosed with depression to experience an underlying sense of sadness and dissatisfaction in our lives. We've all experienced the disappointment that this world has to offer on a daily basis. Maybe the warm glow of Christmas is what we need to get through the dark days leading to December 25th when the sunshine no longer beckons us outside to play.
Maybe snuggling up watching a Christmas movie way too early is a much needed excuse to put the phones away and cuddle up with our families or enjoy some recharge time on our own. Maybe the tradition of putting up the tree helps us recall memories of youth when life was so much simpler and we only had to worry about being good for Santa, rather than trying to please every living soul around us.
Last year I put up my decorations at the end of November. I have NEVER done this before and I almost felt a sense of guilt - have I succumbed to the commercialism? What will my dad think? What will the neighbours say? Soon I realised I didn't care because it made me happy! I wasn't bored of my tree by Christmas. I didn't regret a thing. It felt damn good and I will do it again.
So to those who need an excuse to find a little joy - go forth and hang those icicle lights (remember, untangling them is part of the festive process) adorn your trees with giant baubles and terrible handmade decorations, bake mince pies, drink cheap mulled wine and put Home Alone on repeat.
And to those who hate Christmas (often with good reasons that me may never know) find something that will lift your spirits. Maybe it's writing a book or a song about those weird people who love Christmas. We all need to find a little happiness wherever we can.
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