It seems, year by year, that holiday decorations go up earlier and earlier. The minute Halloween is over, Starbucks is jumping to release their new red cup and Target has transformed their seasonal section to be overflowing with stockings, bows and tinsel. Macy's has already had their display trees primed and polished since about September. All of this Christmas cheer may have influenced you to put your own Christmas tree, string lights, and lawn ornaments up. Pack them up and put them back in the closet where they belong. There is a time and a place for Christmas decorations. We have not reached that time or place yet.
Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet! By putting up your Christmas decorations, you are basically saying that Thanksgiving isn't of importance and that it is merely a gateway to Christmas. Don't you feel a little bad for disregarding such a historical, enjoyable holiday? Thanksgiving is literally a day where you have a reason to eat copious amounts of food and do zero work. Give it some love.
Let's remind ourselves of all the wonderful things that Thanksgiving brings. Food, for one. Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole (admit it, green beans are way better on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year), sweet potatoes with pecans, buttered rolls, cranberries, pie. Oh, the pie. Pumpkin, apple, French Silk...you can't have just one slice.
Aside from food, you've got a whole series of things to watch on TV. Firstly, the parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade only happens once a year, so you should get excited for it! Don't try to deny that it's fun to watch giant blow-up Snoopys and Cookie Monsters gliding down the streets of New York. A lesser known event aired on television on Thanksgiving is the National Dog Show. A competition between the finest canines to give rise to one final pooch who struts taller and has more luscious fur than all the rest. Absolutely worth the watch. And of course, there is football. This is America. We watch football on Thanksgiving. After football, there are usually some specially-aired Thanksgiving day television episodes. The Thanksgiving television line-up will keep you entertained all day long.
Plus, you get to be around your family or friends all day. How great is that? *Insert a sentimental smile here.*
So, early birds, I am telling you to put away your Santas, your reindeer figures, and the boughs of holly decking your halls for just a few days longer. Once Black Friday hits, all bets are off and I highly encourage you to decorate to your heart's content. But for now, keep the focus on Thanksgiving. It's time it gets the attention it deserves.
