When Christmas comes too early

As I was driving yesterday, I flipped through the radio stations to find some music. To my dismay, all of them on my presets were playing Christmas tunes, except one. So I called up that station.

"I just wanted to thank you for not playing Christmas music yet," I told the DJ. "I'm just not ready. It's still November!"

Courtesy of www.evga.com

She laughed, reassuring me they wouldn't be playing any…yet. 

I have nothing against jolly holiday music or the holiday itself. In fact, I’ll proudly admit I know each line of the “12 Days of Christmas” song and I jump at the opportunity to string lights around the tree.

But why does the world seem to be forcing me to start Christmas so early?

Even before Halloween, Christmas decorations were up in stores like Target and CVS. Who needs to prepare in October? The day after Halloween, store fronts at the mall magically transformed into displays covered in shimmering tinsel and over-sized ornaments. Apparently, All Saint’s Day is Santa’s cue to arrive.

Those who put up their trees at Thanksgiving might frown at me. They would argue that moving Christmas further back gives us a chance to extend the merriment and celebrate the holiday season longer.

A friend even teased me, "what are you--a Scrooge? Hating on Christmas..."

But does lengthening the celebration time really make it more special?

Besides, the true 12 Days of Christmas are meant to start the day of Dec. 25. and continue to the Epiphany on Jan. 6. I bet not many people know this—or even care—because the day after Christmas, everyone takes down their trees now. By Christmas Eve, stores have already cleared out their holiday items and put them on sale. Television commercials start advertising diamonds and chocolate for Valentines Day. 

Must we rush everything? Walking through a shopping center I want to whisper, “breathe, little holiday shoppers, breathe...”

And what if you are Jewish or another religion? Do you really want to see red and green in every store window or hear “Sleigh Bells” chiming through dressing rooms?

I think the real problem I have with whole idea is that we live in a consumer society. The earlier in the year companies start advertising, the more fear they implant in us that we might miss our chance to purchase those sought-after Snuggies and iPads. So, we wipe out the shelves quickly and they make their money.

But Christmas isn’t about maxing out our credit cards with expensive material items. Nor is it about shopping malls, competition and half-off deals. If for one second you become wrapped up in that world, you’ve forgotten the real spirit of the season.

I come from a small town where everyone still puts on their scarves and gloves and heads to the old town center with their families for Christmas festivals. Local merchants are selling hand-made goods, and everyone walks around sipping hot chocolate and caroling with friends. I grew up singing about Jesus’ birth in church. I remember sprinkling “reindeer food” on the front lawn on Christmas Eve and being so excited for the morning I couldn’t sleep. That childhood fascination and appreciation for the wonders of the holiday shouldn’t become lost as we grow up. 

And it certainly shouldn't be rushed. The years fly by fast enough. When I have children one day, I don’t want them thinking Christmas should start when their school year begins in September.

As Linus said, “‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth...peace, good will toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Too bad A Charlie Brown Christmas airs on ABC next week.