Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Publisher Jonathan Vickery proudly wears his "Merry Christmoose" shirt on Nov. 1.
“Are you wearing a Christmas shirt?” my wife asked with a slight hint of embarrassment and disbelief in her voice.
We were heading to supper after work on Nov. 1 when she noticed my shirt that read “Merry Christmoose” (I love a good pun). It was a chilly day, so I figured it was time to break out my long-sleeved Christmas shirt that I bought last year in the Tennessee mountains.
“Yes, I am,” I responded with Christmas pride in my heart.
Afterall, Halloween was over. It was time to trade in those jack-o-lanterns, giant spider webs, ghosts, and other spooky decorations for tinsel, Christmas trees, ornaments, garland, nativities, and other festive décor.
Only 47 days stand between us and the “most wonderful time of the year”! Bring on the eggnog, fruitcake, Christmas carols, ugly Christmas sweaters, Christmas movies, social get-togethers, and all of the colorful, glittery decorations to deck your halls.
Yes, I am one of those people who start getting in the Christmas mood effective November 1. I’ve already started listening to Christmas music.
I would celebrate Christmas all year, but I’ll settle for starting my celebrations immediately after Halloween. Although, I’m not ashamed to admit my Christmas tree is still up from last year. Don’t judge! It brings me joy!
I’m aware that some people do not share my attitude and rush to celebrate.
Several friends have posted on Facebook during the first week of November that they were putting up their Christmas trees and decorations. I’ve also seen others post that it is too early to prepare for Christmas.
I decided to poll my co-workers earlier this week about this topic. I thought for sure that at least one of them would be on my side, but it seems they are a bunch of Scrooges who want to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas.
Some people even wait until mid-December. What, wait? Decorating for Christmas is too much work to wait until then. Plus, you’re missing out on so much joy.
A new survey from CouponBirds polled 1,000 people. Of those, 82.8 percent experience “Christmas fatigue” due to the ads, music, decorations, and sales leading up to Christmas Day. A majority (43.9 percent) said the best time to decorate your home for Christmas is in November, while 30.9 percent said December.
Being the seasoned journalist I am, I turned to a true expert – the “Queen of Christmas” herself, Mariah Carey. The singer recently posted a video on social media of herself thawing from this giant block of ice as Halloween characters surround her. They are quickly replaced by joyful people in festive Christmas outfits as Carey emerges from her slumber and declares, “It’s time!” - hearing her chart-topping classic “All I Want for Christmas is You” on the radio from now until the New Year.
I’m going to agree with the queen! After all, her song has been a Christmas staple for nearly 30 years – even if we do get a little tired of hearing it over and over again.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving! I’ll take a brief break from the Christmas celebrations to enjoy Thanksgiving festivities for a couple days. I love the turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, all the fixings, and the pecan pie. Though this foodie enjoys the food, I also love watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Dog Show. Plus, spending time with loved ones is always good.
Once I emerge from my food coma after indulging in too many calories to count, I will then return to the Christmas celebrations.
Regardless of when you start celebrating Christmas, I hope you experience the joy of the season.
I won’t wish you a “Merry Christmas” just yet. How about “Merry Christmoose” instead?
