Confessions of an early holiday starter (and admirer of mild commercialism)

The holidays start earlier for me than most people, usually around a day or two before Thanksgiving. That's always been the tradition in my family, that's when my parents start playing Christmas music half the day. And it's been ingrained into me to start getting into the festiveness of the season around this time.

The holidays have always been a time when I try to be in better spirits, and when I make an extra effort to spread those better spirits around. Instead of scoffing at things like brilliant light displays, Christmas shows, Christmas music, and even some christmas commercials as being excessive commercialism, I embrace it all as part of the celebration. This annoys the hell out of some people, but that's the way I am. And I make no apologies for it.

For a few years I have been without interest in the holiday season. Probably due to my tendancy for depression. But now that I'm on a medication that works for me and I have this new life, I have a renewed interest and have gotten some cute decorations for my little place. I get to go home for Christmas, but I'm really excited to come back and have another, special Christmas with Dear One. I will decorate my place early next week when Dear One gets back from house sitting, which I can't wait for

i never decorate for the holidays and never will. I find all that brightness sickening.

Rho1334 wrote:i never decorate for the holidays and never will. I find all that brightness sickening.

I used to be that way. It took me years to be able to watch the Sound of Music. Oh, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I love John Denver. I guess John Denver singing Christmas carols with the muppets is too much for most folks. Ha ha

I'm with Nucky. Holidays, decorating... Just give it to me and I'll eat it up like candy.

Oh, and I also make no apologies.

Well I love decorating! And I love Christmas music!

just not before December, lol.

And I love shopping for gifts for friends and loved ones. I'll do that all year, though.

I too sometimes get depressed. Mostly because I have S.A.D.
But my meds help me too.

Decorating the Christmas tree and the living room was my yearly present to my Grandmother. I think Christmas decorations are the most beautiful of all. Christmas is magical, and I've never totally lost all of that childlike delight that goes along with it.

Whatever feeds your soul, whatever makes the little kid in you clap their hands in delight, hold on to it. And don't. Let. Go.

I don't think anyone should have to apologize for enjoying getting into the Christmas spirit, I think that's great! I've always loved decorating the tree and I do love the holidays. Because my family all live apart and we have not all been together for Christmas in the family home in about ten years I have to admit that it is not the same for me personally anymore. But regardless of where I am or who I'm with it has special meaning for me... it's a time to reflect and hopefully be with loved ones. For me I can't get into it until around Dec. 10th or so, anything else just seems way too early for me... And I can't stand the materialism. I won't set foot in a mall in December and I don't like watching TV because of all the commercials. Then there is the "forced cheeriness" of all those social obligations and holiday parties. Lol, Just call me Grinch!