Happy Hallowgivingmas
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Staff Column
By Carissa Sitki
Does the tree go up before the turkey hits the oven? That always seems to be the question on people’s minds during that awkward time between Halloween and Christmas… ya know, that Thanksgiving-ish time.
How soon is too soon for Santa? When do you put up your decorations? Every year it seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier, but isn’t it a little awkward to see the festive trees and lighting go up before the Jack-O-Lanterns even get a chance to wither away? But hey, to each their own, I’d hate to Scrooge up someone’s holiday spirit just because Christmas in November ain’t my cup o’ tea.
I adore the Christmas season, though, I really do. I live to celebrate Jesus’ birth. I just prefer to hang up my sock after I’ve eaten those last few bites of stuffing and mashed potatoes and get a chance to rinse off my plate.
I really don’t feel that lovely Christmas spirit until the week of Christmas. But these past few years have been so gloomy that, I’ll admit, I was tempted to put up my tree in July. Actually, that reminds me! At one point during all of the COVID madness last year, a St. Louis radio station began playing Christmas music in April! I guess the gesture was intended to lift people’s spirits, but listening to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” on a sunny spring afternoon nearly gave me the creeps.
Nevertheless, I think I’ll hold off on the decorations until December. Call me stubborn, but I can’t seem to bring myself to decorate any earlier… no, not even when circumstances merit a little bit of extra cheer. Growing up, my family always put up the tree after dinner on Thanksgiving day, but even as a child I never felt that seasonal joyfulness until I could hear sleigh bells. I’m talking about Christmas Eve-Eve. That’s when my Christmas cheer steps on the scene.
My parents put up their tree early last year, though. I think they did their decorating in mid-November, so we’ll see how this year goes.
I’m no psychic, so I can’t say for sure, but I can almost guarantee that it will be December before my decorations go up. Some old leftovers may still be in my fridge, but the Thanksgiving holiday will be over. That’s the only time that feels right for me.
In any case, may this holiday season bring tidings of comfort and joy, no matter how early (or late) you choose to begin your celebration.
