Madison Kwiecinski – Editor-in-Chief 

Mvk5945@psu.edu

Photo Credit: History.com 

Winter is upon us and it is time to start celebrating the holiday season. But what exactly does that mean? Now that there is snow on the ground, do I keep out my lovely fall leaves and decor until Thanksgiving? Or is it time to cave, hang up the tree and turn on the Christmas music? 

Typically, I am a diehard do not play Christmas music around me until I have had my Thanksgiving dinner type of person. However, this year my opinion on the subject is beginning to change. 

I believe some people use holiday cheer to help get them through the cold and miserable aspects of the winter season. Once daylight savings time occurred this year, it was difficult to find things that made the cold dark days more enjoyable. I understand how some bright decorations, cut christmas lights, and glasses of hot cocoa could make the short days feel brighter. 

Personally, I try to stick to the idea that Christmas music is acceptable beginning as soon as I leave to go Black Friday shopping, whether that be Thanksgiving night or the next day. This way you get to celebrate Thanksgiving and then Christmas season begins as soon as you are shopping, because I often spend Black Friday shopping for deals of Christmas gifts. 

Also, if you start listening to Christmas music and celebrating the season on November 1, then you are subjecting yourself to at least two entire months of the same type of music and celebration. 

I used to really hate the idea that people ignored Thanksgiving all together and began the winter holiday celebrations so soon. Since living in Erie though, I have a newfound appreciation for it. When it is dark at 5:30 p.m. and the weather is not rising above 35 degrees, you need something to look forward to. 

I think a lot of my original issue with beginning the winter season too early stems from my love of fall and Halloween. Personally, I would rather pumpkin patches and haunted houses stay open until Thanksgiving, with winter celebrations beginning right after. Each year though it seems to have been getting colder and colder earlier in the season, meaning fall activities make less sense after Halloween every year. 

Thanksgiving is supposed to be the last fall celebration, with pumpkins and fall leaves making up the decor. Although my pumpkin may still be good by Thanksgiving this year, many other people are not and they have already tossed them out to prepare for winter. 

Although personally I would prefer if we limited the Christmas music at least a little until Black Friday, I think it is important to get your holiday cheer in whatever way works best for you. I too have been guilty of watching a Hallmark Christmas movie or two in November, and honestly would recommend it to others. Enjoy your holiday season and stay warm.