Bring on the poinsettias!
By Julia Siedlanowska, Staff Writer
Iâll be the first to admit that I havenât always been the biggest fan of Christmas. Growing up in a lower income family always made the holidays a strain, in regards to both time and money. However, as Iâve gotten older and taken much of the burden off my parents, it seems that the holidays have retained their charm and intended jolly spirit and lost most of the commercial impositions of the past. I now fall into the category of one who appreciates Christmas music, decorations, and poinsettias in early November.
As soon as Halloween is finished, we all watch as the fake trees come out. Walmart, Superstore, and Costco employees spend the early mornings changing the inventory displays to meet the next financial opportunity. But letâs be honestâwhat else is there to get excited about in November? Christmas has become a milestone to mark the transition between the dreary, cold, damp lull of mid-fall. There is a time when autumn leaves are exciting and we welcome the chance to display our finest sweaters, mugs, and pea coatsâbut this quickly wears off. And as a woman, Movember simply isnât enough for me. Remembrance Day is something not to be forgotten, but itâs a sombre event that I wouldnât necessarily call a celebration. When the leaves become soggy and the light in your jack-oâ-lantern flickers out, itâs time to look forward to something else.
âHoliday spiritâ still holds true for many, even though some may argue that Christmas is too commercialized. Some may look at the early displays as a nasty reminder of our wasteful, consumer-driven society; however, we must remind ourselves that we have the purchasing power and consumerism is in our hands. Personally, I donât feel pressure to buy ridiculous amounts of anything for anyone during the holidays, and the early start only serves to take the pressure off last-minute purchases.
In the last few years I have felt time moving faster than I could ever imagine. A month passes in a few weeks, and the weeks pass in a few days. November just started and December is only a week away. Starting Christmas early is a way to extend the joys of the holiday season. Itâs a valuable tradition which at its core brings people together and inspires them to do good. It inspires generosity and offers some well-deserved feelings of warmth and rest in the coldest season. This is a feeling that it doesnât hurt to extend.
And as for political correctness, in this case may I just say, âFuck political correctnessâ? The debates on celebrating Christmas in schools or whether to say âHappy Holidaysâ as opposed to âMerry Christmasâ are just plain ridiculous. The holiday is so far from religious and is celebrated by so many non-Christians that it shouldnât be offensive to any religion. Just as you would experience the traditions of a different culture leaving the country, you should experience it living in your own. Christmas isnât an imposition of Christian beliefs, itâs a cultural traditionâand starting early is a way to prepare and generate positive excitement just as you would for any other festival or celebration. It gives a chance to express your love for family, friends, and for your fellow man. December canât come fast enough.
