I ignored the side-eye from the cashier at Wal-Mart and immediately snapped a picture for my friends who I was sure would celebrate with me. Unfortunately, I was met with brutal disappointment.
Instead of being overjoyed for me, they immediately accused me of being one of "those" people.
"Those" people. The people who are "Christmas in November" kind of people. The people that might as well be celebrating Christmas all year round. You'll know them by their ugly Christmas sweaters and incessant humming of Christmas carols before Thanksgiving. They're the same ones that have been posting their countdown through Elf memes since the end of the summer.
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I know those people.
I have never thought of myself as one of those people, but I couldn't enjoy a tad bit of Christmas in a cup without being accused of being one.
While I was one of many who judged those people in the past, I now can't think of a reason why it's such a big deal? We're not launching a war on Thanksgiving just because we love Christmas. I now understand the pain people have gone through. The pain of not being able to enjoy a little bit of cheer before December without being labeled a Thanksgiving hater.
Since I was first accused, I've sipped on my peppermint mocha coffee while watching Holiday in Handcuffs because it was on Hulu and I didn't feel like waiting a month to watch a movie that might not be there when I'm ready for it.
If that makes me one of "those" people then so be it! I guess I am one of those people.
But make no mistake. My love for the Christmas festivities in no way belittles my love for Thanksgiving.
Yes, my heart has room for both holidays.
I love gathering with family, feasting on turkey, and giving thanks to God for all we have. So what if I just happen to be wearing cozy socks, drinking better-tasting coffee, and watching Christmas romantic comedies while leading up to it? It just means I can have the best of both worlds a little while longer.
For all of you that have been receiving flak on it for years, I now have a better understanding of why you celebrate early. I don't completely understand Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving, research says it makes people happier.
Keep doing what you're doing! Soon enough both holidays will have come and gone and you would have had your fill to last until this time next year while the others will be mourning the loss of a season that seemed so short.
So, you know what? Have a Merry Thanksgiving and a very Happy Christmas!
