It Is Upon Us...

Yesterday, as I was walking past the empty parking lot that has been a pumpkin patch for the past month, I noticed something. They had flipped the sign over, now it reads, "Christmas Tree Lot". While I was in the drug store on Sunday getting a paper, I saw Egg Nogg where the Football season beer display used to be. Yesterday i walked into a drug store near work for a soda and I was greeted by a 4 foot Santa singing Christmas Carols, poorly. Finally today while I was making a visit to eBay I saw they had put up their Christmas theme on the site. The season is upon us...

I don't know why, but every year i am surprised when the Christmas decor comes up. It seems earlier every year. Christmas is still almost two months away and yet the lights and displays and songs. I just realized how much time we spend in this "Holiday Season" mode. More than 2 months, almost 20% of the year we have to be exposed to these things that are supposed to be representative of one day.

I dont pretend to understand everything, but this is always leaves me in quite a quandary. I understand that Christmas is one of the more popular holidays. And yes, I understand all too well that there are many preparations to be made for it, with the gift giving and family gathering. However, what I don't get is how anyone can take over two months of Christmas. Christmas started as a Christian holiday and their preparation for it (Advent) is only 4 weeks. Apparently it takes the rest of the world much longer, perhaps because the rest of the world hasn't celebrated it qutie as long, I don't know.

I'm trying to begin my preparations as well. I've already had to book my flight over a month ago. I'm trying to get all of the gifts together so that I'm not in a state of panic come the night before, as I often am. I am even trying my hardest to accept the weather conditions as they approach, no matter how much I despise them. However, I am still not ready for the adjust to Christmas mode and I'm sure there are others like me. So please just give us time, we are trying to come around, but it really is just too early. Early like the sunset since the time change this past weekend.

So remember before you decide to put in that Christmas CD that's been in the back of your collection or turn on your cackling 4 foot Santa Claus, be sure to brace your self for a swift punch in the face and Merry Christmas.