I sat down to watch television tonight, something I have not done a lot of in recent weeks, and I noticed that it is not two full days after Halloween and my senses were taken over by Christmas commercials. Wal-Mart telling us to spend less this Christmas, with smiling children staring at the camera with wide, hopeful eyes. Glade reminding us that our house is not a home come this time of year, unless it smells like fake cranberries. Jim Carey starring in A Christmas Carol, a 3-D movie that will no doubt get you into the festive mood. And you don't have long to wait, it comes out NEXT FRIDAY.
Now puh-lease don't get me wrong, I was born with Christmas bells a-ringing and candy canes in both hands. I do believe that I am the last of everyone I know who still counts down to Christmas starting on Boxing Day. Everyone has been so saturated with the commercialism of Christmas that they have all grown to despise it. But I just can't. I was destined to adore the holiday season. You see, my birthday is on December 22nd. And although that came with a lot of crap attached to it (no birthday parties, 2-in-one presents, and everyone wishing you a Happy Birthday AND Merry Christmas!) I still love it. I love spending time with my family and friends, I love big dinners and really yummy wine. I love wood burning in the fireplace and my brother making hot buttered rum on the stove. I love roasted garlic and bread, and mince meat pies and snow. I love all of it.
BUT, having said all that toasty, syrupy goodness about the season of joy, I also think it's a bit crazy (but only a bit) that when Dave and I went into Rona and Canadian Tire in September, they had set up all of their Christmas displays already. We were in Wal-Mart last weekend (I can't even write that without shuddering) and every aisle I turned into had a Christmas-y product attached to it. Although seeing these things makes me happy inside, I also know that the majority of the population is grumbling under their breath about the ridiculousness of it all. And I do not blame them. This is the kind of thing that gives people negative reactions to the best time of year.
So I want to hear your opinions. Do you love the holidays like I do and don't mind that we are already being pummeled with all things Christmas? Or do you wish the advertising execs that give the green light to all this crap would crawl back into their dark, money-grubbing holes and wait a bit longer to cash in on our joyous spirit?
Leave a comment, and let me know.
