I have been watching people on social media and in the stores as they see Christmas decorations out and hear Christmas music "and it's not even Thanksgiving yet!" It absolutely tickles me how heated this subject can get. Not that I get tickled at the arguing about when and how Christmas should be celebrated, but at the fact that it makes people so emotional. Emotion can be a good thing. Being passionate about something has a place in the world for sure.
I will put it out there that I believe everyone should follow their hearts concerning Christmas as well as Thanksgiving. I believe, and I know there are people out there who believe as I do, that Christmas and Thanksgiving go together as well as peanut butter and jelly. I can't think of anything more fitting than taking a holiday of giving thanks and pairing it with a holiday that celebrates receiving the greatest gift the world has ever known; the Son of God, the Savior of man. Taking a season of Thanks and adding the Spirit of Giving is a beautiful way to spend time. I celebrate Thanksgiving, and I do it to the hilt. I even celebrate it before Christmas! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I happen to love counting my blessings with family and friends gathered around me, eating Thanksgiving dinner and listening to Johnny Mathis or Bing Crosby croon songs about a silent night in Bethlehem. There's no better slice of heaven in the world.
So I guess I'm saying that it's okay if you decide to listen to carols after Thanksgiving. If you put your tree up in December I am happy for your tradition. As for me and my house, we will revel in the joy of families being together, giving thanks and caroling, and celebrating the wonder in all of it. TOGETHER, these things keep me focused on the things my heart knows these holidays are for: love, charity, gratitude, giving and peace. I never worry about this time of year becoming commercialized for my family because we keep the good things of both Thanksgiving and Christmas as the main focus . Christmas spirit can last all year, just as Christ and His love has endured through the ages. I'm grateful.
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