It's the age-old question: when do you put up your Christmas tree? This is a long-standing debate for many people. Some are of the belief that all things Christmas must wait until after Thanksgiving. Others hold to the truth that the Christmas season begins November 1. I belong to the latter group - I have already put up my Christmas tree, and I'm not sorry about it.

I have always loved the end of the year because of all the holidays it holds. There is something about the holiday season that makes everything happier and exciting. Christmas is probably my favorite (although it's a close race), so I look forward to putting on Christmas songs and decorating my house.

If it were up to me, I'd start listening to Christmas music in September (I'll be honest, I do listen to Christmas music in September). Out of courtesy for others, I wait until November 1st to do any decorating or blast my Christmas playlist for all to hear. Either way, I always get comments about putting up my Christmas tree this early - some agreeing with me and some rebuking me.

I just don't understand how some people can be totally offended by decorations that other people put up. Is it hurting you to see twinkling lights or Christmas wreaths? I don't think so. By putting mine up, I am not asking that everyone join in. I am also not "skipping" Thanksgiving either. Just because I put up my tree, listen to Christmas music, and watch Christmas movies before Thanksgiving doesn't mean I enjoy Turkey Day any less. Why do we have to choose?

Part of the reason why I love Christmas so much is that of the happiness that comes with celebrating. Why wouldn't I want to keep that feeling for longer than 25 days? The 25 days in December are always so rushed and full of shopping, finishing up work before the holidays, and other plans that it's hard to really enjoy Christmas. I want to enjoy my holiday season, so I will celebrate it as long as I can.

Believe it or not, it is possible to be excited for Christmas and celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time. I've already made my menu for Thanksgiving, and I'm counting down the days until I can eat myself into a food coma. My love for the holidays doesn't have to be turned into a competition.

If you don't want to put up your tree this early, that is just fine with me. If you want to put yours up this weekend, I will be over with my playlist and a Santa hat to help you! My point is that Christmas decorations in November don't hurt anyone, and they don't take away from Thanksgiving. If there were a bunch of Thanksgiving songs, I would be singing those too! I don't have to be sorry about my excitement for Christmas. 'Tis the season to be jolly!