Who all is in a Christmas mood? Show of hands...er...comments.
I am!
When do you decorate for Christmas? For me, I like to decorate right after Thanksgiving. Actually I wouldn't mind decorating before Thanksgiving so that I can come home to a house that is ready for Christmas, but we're divided on that one around here, so it'll wait until we get home.
Jacob and I had a discussion last night about when it's appropriate to get ready for Christmas. We view it differently, but I know a lot of people do judging by the comments I see all over Facebook. I've driven by houses with their trees up already and it makes me excited!
My opinion is that Christmas doesn't last that long, and I like to be able to enjoy my decorations to the fullest. I listen to Christmas music the minute they start playing it non-stop, until the minute they stop playing it for the season. Sure, there's always songs that I get incredibly sick of hearing, but it makes me all happy inside to listen to the songs I do love. I like walking through the Christmas aisles at the store. I hum along to the music piped through the stores. It's just a happy time of year for me and I like to make it last.
Jacob on the other hand thinks that it makes it more special to only be able to have decorations up and listen to Christmas music for a few weeks. It makes it more fun and enjoyable and it's special because it's short lived. (Plus he has to start teaching Christmas music to his kids at the beginning of October)
Don't get me wrong, I do understand that viewpoint, but I like making things last! Deep down I know he's right (Shh...don't tell him I said that and maybe he won't notice)...but we're all entitled to our opinions and I like mine. Ha ha!
Some people think Christmas over shadows Thanksgiving. Sure. It does. But really, Thanksgiving is a day of food and family. It's not like there's Turkey Day music or a Thankful Tree, so what's the big deal if someone has their tree up? It doesn't bother me!
Now...the things I do dread? Shopping and making a Christmas list. I'm not good at thinking of stuff that I want because to me I'd rather have things that are super practical than just wants. Not always, but most of the time. Seriously...in 2nd grade all I asked for from my grandma was a new pair of tights because mine got a hole in them. I hate having to sit down and thinking of things. As for the shopping, it wouldn't be so bad except for that I put too much pressure on myself to find the "right thing" for someone. I'm not normal (I think we can all agree on that). Buying things is a process for me. Slow and painful. I could stand in one store for an hour debating on whether or not I should actually buy a certain item or not. Sigh. In the end though, I enjoy giving and receiving gifts so it makes it worth it.
Anyway, according to Santa's Official Christmas Countdown site there is 36 sleeps, 6 hours and 15 minutes until Christmas! Hooray!
What?! Only 36 sleeps?! I'll never be ready. Thanks for putting pressure on me, Rachel Mae. :)
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that Christmas decorations right after Thanksgiving is soon enough. I also think that if you're going to go to all the trouble to decorate it's nice to enjoy it for more than a couple of weeks during the season, so a month of decorations is okay with me too. I say I don't want to listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but sometimes I cheat. :) I do like walking through the stores and listening and humming (sometimes singing) along.
I'm like you in that I fret over the "perfect" gift. I actually have a panic attack before we open our gifts because I'm so afraid people won't like what I've gotten them. This year I'm clueless about what to get people. :(
I know how you feel about wanting to put everything up before Thanksgiving since you won't be home. I actually had ours up almost 2 weeks before last year since we were in CA.
ReplyDeleteI told Dad I might just get the Betty tree out just to torment Jacob. lol
Let the festivities begin. love you, mom
Rachel,I have been thinking about putting it up this weekend...then I say no it is to early and I'm not. Then a few minutes later I am saying yes..So I am going to see what happens..I'm not going to jail if I don't put it up or put it up...I love Christmas..My parents always put the tree up on the 19th of December..I hated it..why put it up at all on the 19th ...Some put it up Christmas Eve.. Everyone has their own traditions... I know if it isn't this weekend it will be next weekend..
ReplyDeleteAs with presents I am the same way...I am a practical person...Then again some one each year gets a gag present..no one ever knows who it will be.One year I bought all of them gag presents for fun..
Have a great day..
I kinda like the idea of a Thankful tree - hmmmm maybe there will be that in the future, then change the decorations for Christmas
ReplyDeleteWhen our kids were little we would put our tree (a real one always) up on Dec 15. That changed the year we bought an artificial tree. I miss the uniqueness of real trees but don't miss the needles in the house till July!
love you, girl
I like how you "agreed" with your hubby - you two are so good for each other! I am sure whatever you do it will be good. I would love to have some of your enthusiasm for Christmas...but to me it just isn't that big of deal anymore - hmmmmm - I miss that. If only I had a grand child....oh well....YOU ENJOY!!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, like the idea of a Thankful Tree. In fact, I may do one next year! Now I have a plan! :) Thanks!
ReplyDelete