Is it just me, or does Christmas seem to arrive earlier and earlier every year?

I love Christmas. I love the twinkling lights, the decorated trees, the familiar Christmas songs, and the feeling of warmth that comes with the season. There is something magical about driving through a neighborhood on a cold December evening and seeing homes beautifully decorated for the holidays.

But seriously… Christmas candy before Halloween? Christmas lights before Thanksgiving?

I recently walked into a store expecting to find Halloween candy, pumpkins, and fall decorations, only to discover Christmas chocolates (including my favorite Holiday Mint M&M’s!), candy canes, and Santa Claus already making their appearance. We hadn’t even handed out the first piece of Halloween candy, and retailers were already telling us to get ready for Christmas!

And now, before the Thanksgiving turkey has even made it into the oven, Christmas lights are going up, trees are appearing in windows, and holiday music is filling the stores.

What happened to enjoying the season we’re actually in?

Whatever Happened to Thanksgiving?

Growing up, holidays seemed to have their own special place on the calendar. Halloween meant costumes, trick-or-treating, and pumpkins on the porch. November meant gathering with family, enjoying the beautiful fall colors, preparing a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, and taking time to appreciate our blessings.

Then came Christmas.

There was something exciting about waiting until after Thanksgiving to bring out the decorations. Untangling the Christmas lights, putting up the tree, finding those treasured ornaments collected over the years, and watching the neighborhood slowly transform into a winter wonderland.

The anticipation was part of the magic!

Today, it sometimes feels like we’re rushing so quickly toward Christmas that Thanksgiving barely gets a chance to shine.

And that’s a shame, because Thanksgiving is about something we could all use a little more of: gratitude, family, traditions, and simply slowing down.

Christmas Lights Are Beautiful… But What’s the Rush?

Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love seeing homes decorated for Christmas. As a Realtor, I especially appreciate the pride people take in their homes and neighborhoods. A beautifully decorated front porch, warm lights glowing through the windows, and a Christmas wreath on the door can make a house feel especially welcoming.

And I understand why some people decorate early. The lights bring joy, the season is busy, and sometimes you have to take advantage of a warm November weekend to get those decorations outside!

But I still miss the days when Christmas officially began after Thanksgiving.

There was something special about waking up the day after Thanksgiving and knowing the Christmas season had finally arrived.

Maybe We Need to Slow Down

Life moves fast enough without rushing through our holidays.

Why not enjoy the pumpkins and falling leaves? Why not give Thanksgiving its moment? Why not spend a little more time appreciating what we have before turning our attention to everything we need to buy for Christmas?

I’m certainly not against anyone putting up their Christmas tree early. If those lights make you happy, turn them on!

But I do wonder whether, in our excitement to celebrate Christmas, we’re forgetting to enjoy the wonderful traditions that come before it.

Christmas will arrive. It always does. And when it does, I’ll be right there enjoying the lights, music, decorations, and time with family.

I just wish we didn’t feel the need to start celebrating it before we’ve finished celebrating Halloween!

What Do You Think?

Are you someone who puts up the Christmas tree on November 1st, or do you believe Thanksgiving deserves its own time in the spotlight?

And here’s the big question: When is the RIGHT time to turn on those Christmas lights?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned, but I still believe there’s something wonderful about enjoying one holiday at a time.

Wishing you a beautiful Thanksgiving season, filled with family, gratitude, and the simple joys of home.

Vicki L. Reed

VLR Realty Group at Keller Williams