Let the Joy Begin!
When does the Christmas season start for you? I used to be a stickler about not starting Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I think that was good when the kids were little- the months of November and December seem so long to them, it would be confusing to take out Christmas decorations on November 1st. But now, I’ve realized waiting until after Thanksgiving makes no sense for me. Thanksgiving is so late- by the time it’s over, it’s practically December, and then I’m trying to cram everything in. Instead of truly enjoying my favorite season, I feel rushed and frantic. I’m not saying I’ve decorated the house or anything like that. But I’m taking a page from Nicole and her Tiny Secret Festive Season. I no longer resist Christmas in November! I’m embracing it. Today I had a very fun trip to the mall. Every year I love browsing through The Container Store’s “Giftwrap Wonderland.” I didn’t buy anything (for reasons which are coming up) but just looking made me very happy. Then, it was on to Bath and Bodyworks! This time, I did buy things! The one-wick candles and the hand soap were on sale. According to my daughter, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Twisted Peppermint foaming hand soap, and I got two candles: The soap and candy cane candle will be put away for a couple weeks (we’re still using up our pumpkin soap) but I’ll light the “Leaves” candle right away! Then I stopped at Sprouts, where I spotted these: I didn’t get any, because we still have a pumpkin spice creamer in the fridge (note to self- chug that ASAP so I can get the peppermint mocha!) One thing I’m determined to do this month- and I wrote it in my planner way back in January- is to GO THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS BINS. Last January, I was disgruntled and depressed (I hate when I have to put the Christmas things away) and I just threw things in haphazardly, knowing that I would regret it later. If I can find the time this month, I want to go through them and get more organized, possibly getting rid of some things we don’t use anymore. I may not get to all of them, but at least I’m going to go through my wrapping paper. I know I bought some last year after Christmas. I CANNOT buy anything new until I see what I have- I can just picture paying full price for something I got on clearance last January. Also, Christmas cards- last week I was looking at cards in Barnes and Noble, picked up a box thinking “Oh, these are cute!” and then had the nagging suspicion that I ALREADY OWN THEM. I distinctly remember buying cards after Christmas last year. A big thanks to San for hosting NaBloPoMo! Check out this page for a list of participants. If you celebrate Christmas, are you getting excited yet? Or is it too early? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, is it SUPER ANNOYING to see Christmas things in all the stores before Halloween? Top photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash