I watched a Christmas commercial this morning and I was NOT grateful. It did not make be feel positive and happy and eager to celebrate. Today is Halloween!! At least let me see Thanksgiving on the horizon before bombarding my senses with all things green and red and jingling. I’m a product of ancient times when we shopped AFTER the turkey leftovers were gone and the Macy’s parade floats had been dismantled. We seldom bought a tree before December 1st.
I know that ornaments and other Christmas supplies have been in the major stores for weeks. I know that a lot of people have already purchased gifts. I even know someone who has a fully decorated tree set up in one of her rooms. I’m just not ready.
First, I want to see if I manage to stand in line and vote. I know it will be physically challenging and I doubt if anyone really cares. I don’t recall any reports about separate lines or polling booths for those with handicap parking placards.
Then I want to finish preparations for winter. Have you changed your filter, light bulbs, batteries? Do you have a cover for your faucet? Washed your winter clothes? Stocked up on a few basic groceries? I do those things.
I look forward to Thanksgiving and want to enjoy it as a separate holiday, not as a “fly over” on the way to Christmas. My mother loved Thanksgiving! It’s the only holiday that celebrates family and food and gratitude without the burden of buying someone a gift. This year each of us who has survived to do so should take time to be thankful! Maybe Thanksgiving should be celebrated for a week.
After I eat some pumpkin pie, I’ll be ready for carols and ornaments and “It’s a Wonderful Life”. If I start all that tomorrow I’ll be sick and tired of the commercialism long before December 1st.