 | 17 Nov 08 |
Christmas.
There. I said it.
I tried (gently) to talk about Christmas trees with my husband on Sunday. He gave me the “you’re nuts” look that I adore and said Christmas trees should go up in December. I argued that they should be up before Thanksgiving. He insists I made that up. Did I? I don’t think so. Regardless, we’ve been married over a decade and the tree has always been up before Thanksgiving. So it will be this year, too. 
There are many reasons why I should be dreading the holidays. I have soooo much to write before they arrive that I panic when I think about it. *shudder* The economy is bad, money is tight, it’s hot as hell where I live, and my state is burning down around me. At times, everything seems so dire and depressing.
Then, I look at my children–who are blissfully ignorant of it all–and they remind me of the magic of the season. It’s so simple really. We all know the holidays aren’t about traveling or shopping or cooking (although I mostly enjoy all of that.) What I’m really looking forward to is cuddling on the couch with my kids and watching all the Christmas shows from my childhood–Rudolph and Baby New Year and Frosty–and thinking about how, when I watched the same shows at their ages, I never thought about watching them decades later with my own kids. I’m looking forward to having my mother here and good food in the kitchen that I’ll nibble on all day. The gathering of family is something I love so much. I want to put the tree up, get the poinsettia china out, and hang stockings on the fireplace mantel just to hurry all that along some. Silly, I know. Time can’t be rushed.
Because of the bad economy, I’m planning on heading out to the mall and other stores to buy gifts. Money needs to circulate if our economy is to recover. Retailers are working overtime on sales/specials to lure me to spend, and I will. I’ve been checking out all the coupons and buy-one-get-one-free deals. I’m definitely buying books, as always. Last year, I bought my sister a collection of feng shui books. (reminder to self: see if she used them…) I will be shopping smarter, though. I’ve been keeping my eyes and ears open, taking notes on what family members really want. I won’t be buying anything frivolous this year, but I’ll still be buying.
What will my hubby say if he comes home to find the Christmas tree up in the living room tonight? Maybe he’ll give me that look I love…
Am I the only one champing at the bit for the holidays to come? Is there any dish you’re especially looking forward to? (For me, it’s sweet potato pie–the buttery, brown sugary, covered-in-candied walnuts delight.) Will you be shopping this year? Will you be traveling? And tell me: if you put up a tree, do you wait until after Thanksgiving?
© 2008 – 2009 Sylvia Day. All rights reserved.
Sylvia Day is the national bestselling, award-winning author of seventeen novels. A wife and mother of two, she is a former Russian linguist for the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. In addition to her novels, she’s written numerous novellas and short stories for both print and electronic-original release. Sylvia’s work has been called “wonderful and passionate” by WNBC.com and “wickedly entertaining” by Booklist. Her stories have been translated into Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Czech, and Thai. She’s been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, the EPPIE award, the National Readers' Choice Award, and multiple finalist nominations for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award of Excellence.
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We have to travel for both Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year, so I don’t know when we’ll have time to put up the tree. >:(
As it is, I’m holding myself back from putting on my Christmas CD’s and watching my favorite Christmas movies (yay, Die Hard!) until after Thanksgiving. Partly so I don’t get sick of the carols, but mostly because I ought to be focusing on the two deadlines I have coming up in the next month. Oy.
by Louisa Edwards November 17th, 2008 at 6:06 amLouisa — I hate to say it, but it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one with two deadlines this holiday season.
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 7:38 amThe 1st of December is usually when my tree goes up. I’m dying to buy a huge monster fake tree but we actually talked about it last night and I can’t get one until we buy our own house. But then it will probably be live trees again at that point.
I love Christmas and have already started shopping. I am a Christmas in July kinda girl. I start early and buy using a theme for each kids, usually.
Thanksgiving hubby is going by himself to his parent’s house. The kids and I will stay here and have friends over. I’m sad about it but it is necessary. Must be why I’m not too excited about turkey day.
Christmas will be a mix of sad and happy. Happy my parents are coming. Sad cause that means hubby leaves for training and then overseas for a while.
What a starnge holiday season it is.
by Brandy W November 17th, 2008 at 7:47 amSylvia – I’ve been in a bah humbug pre-holiday mood. Perhaps its been all the bad news we’ve been hearing about the economy, or some kind of post-election hangover. Whatever the cause, your words knocked Mr. Scrooge out of me. Thanks.
PS – But putting the tree out before Thanksgiving – I have to side with your husband on that…
by Lee Swift November 17th, 2008 at 7:55 amomg, it scares me that the holidays are just around the corner. Every year I tell myself I’ll start shopping earlier and getting everything ready… and every year I’m one of those last minute shoppers, lol
As much as I want to, I know I won’t be doing much shopping this year, for the simple fact that I just bought a house. I will be buying more books for gifts than usual. But, my list of who I’ll be shopping for will be shorter.
As for the Christmas tree, I’ve always imagined that when I start my own family, (this may sound incredibly cheesy) that the men would start putting up the tree and the outside decorations while the woman cook on Thanksgiving day. Which might be kind of difficult when I know for a fact I can’t cook, lol
by Ali November 17th, 2008 at 8:10 amI started Christmas shopping last night around 11 PM. I hit the Amazon and Gymboree websites to get a jump on gifts for the tiny people on my list. So easy! Click. Click. Click. Thank goodness the adults in my family drew names. That cuts out 6 gifts I have to purchase.
As for food, it’s the process that I enjoy. I love baking cookies with the kids and passing on the traditions my family has kept for decades.
by Kendra November 17th, 2008 at 8:12 amNo deadlines for me! That’s if I ever write The End to the book that will never end! I’m really looking forward to the holidays this year. So are the kids. We’re doing a lot of baking and celebrating but best of all we have decided no shopping this year! It has taken a huge amount of stress off my shoulders. The Sunday after Thanksgiving all of the kids will be here to whip the house into shape. I really can’t wait!
by Karin Tabke November 17th, 2008 at 8:40 amLove sweet potato pie! On Christmas Day, I cook prime rib and make Maryland crab cakes. We drink really good wine and enjoy the food.
by Karin Tabke November 17th, 2008 at 9:09 amA book coming out Dec. 2nd and one due Dec. 1st sooo I’m not thinking Christmas at all. If I put up my tree for Thanksgiving that would be October since I’m in Canada lol. My hubby’s birthday is Dec. 4th and our policy is the tree goes up the weekend after that, however, this year I’ll be in Seattle for signings that weekend so the tree might make it up at the end of November.
by wendy roberts November 17th, 2008 at 10:00 amGrrr…not ready for the holidays! I WANT to get into the spirit, though. Once I get this book done, I’ll be more into it.
We always put our tree up in December. We buy a fresh tree and worry about it drying out.
by Jen Lyon November 17th, 2008 at 10:03 amBrandy — I’m a fake tree gal. I’m afraid I’m like Charlie Brown with real trees — I buy the sorriest-looking one because I’m afraid no one else will buy it and it will have died for nothing. ((hugs)) about your hubby leaving. I shipped out to basic training the day after Thanksgiving, so I know what that’s like.
Lee — I seem to be the only one who does that.
Glad you’re feeling better about the holidays! I think they rock. I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait!!
Ali – Yay!! on the new house! That’s a holiday celebration in and of itself!!
Kendra – I love cooking with my kids. We have such a good time getting all the ingredients out and mashing them all together. *g*
Karin — I’ve yet to have a holiday away from deadlines.
I love Christmas shopping. I only get stressed if I can’t find the perfect gift. Otherwise, I’m just giddy and can’t wait to see if the recipient loves the gift as much as I love giving it. *g* Crab cakes… yum 
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 10:03 amWendy — Congrats on the new releases!! My mom’s b-day is Dec. 23rd, which I love but she doesnt. *g*
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 10:05 amJen — I’m really feeling like an odd duck about the tree thing. LOL!
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 10:08 amI love our fake tree. It is 8 feet tall, already with lights, fake snow, and berries and pinecones. All we have to do is put it together and get the ornaments out. I love Christmas and buying just the right gift for everyone.
by Amanda November 17th, 2008 at 10:23 amSyl, you’re not odd! I know a lot of people who do that. I’m just not ready for the holidays. Plus the heat and fires are making me cranky!
by Jen Lyon November 17th, 2008 at 11:27 amPlease say it ain’t so. My two favorite radio stations (oldies and soft rock) have started the 24-7 Christmas carols already. I was devastated. I think Christmas is very tough on working moms, and since I also live in a state where 75 degrees is a cold snap, it’s hard to get into the spirit here. Tree goes up the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and down on New Years Day.
Me? I love Thanksgiving. Now that’s a holiday I can get behind. No gifts, just all the food you can eat and a day of making lists of “good things to be thankful for.”
You stole my blog topic for tomorrow, Sylvia! I guess this early Christmas is on everyone’s mind. I think I’ll do “Goal Keeping Tips” a few of you have asked for. Goal Number One: survive December.
Great post, as always!
by Roxanne St. Claire November 17th, 2008 at 11:35 amI started on Christmas music last week (and I know that I am not the only one – I walked into my bosses office on Thursday and she has Christmas carols playing too).
I love christmas shopping – and this year I am done shopping – only one gift left to finish (and okay start) and that is the scrapbook that I am making for my parents.
As for the tree usually sometime in the middle of December it goes up – but that is the last of the christmas decor to go up – the rest is usually up the first weekend in December. The tree is also the first to come down – December 26th (Growing up it always came down on the 26th since my brothers b-day is the 27th and my mom wanted to visually seperate the two so the tree came down) The rest comes down the frist weekend in January.
by Tiffany November 17th, 2008 at 12:05 pmYeah I am so in the mood for Christmas – and happy that I am done with my shopping – but looking forward to spending some time window shopping in December – and stopping at my favorite bookstore/coffee shop on main steet and people watching!!
Oh, I LOVE the holidays. But I make myself wait until the day after Thanksgiving. I always have, just to build the anticipation, and let that particular holiday be enjoyed as well. But on Friday, LOOK OUT. Christmas, here I come.
Loved this post, Syl.
by Natalie November 17th, 2008 at 12:07 pmMy cousin is having her Thanksgiving dinner a week early, so I’m going to try and visit her and be home for our own Thanksgiving dinner. I’m looking forward to having some green bean casserole. We put up the tree after Thanksgiving.
by Jane November 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pmAmanda — I love the gift buying/giving, too.
Jen — You’re right, it’s too damn hot. And earthquakes, too. Have you been feeling those?
Rocki — I am avoiding holiday music, when I can. I can’t start listening to those too early or they lose their impact for me. *g* I’m really looking forward to your goal keeping tips! I’m thinking the holidays are on our minds because of the upheaval in the world. Makes us all want to close ranks and be with the people we love the most.
Tiffany — I’m jealous of you being done with your shopping already.
Natalie – Yay!! Another holiday lover! I’m starting to think I should try holding out, too, instead of jumping the gun. But it’s so hard to wait.
Jane – green bean casserole is my mom’s favorite, too! And lucky you to have two Thanksgivings.
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 2:05 pmThe DH put up the trees in the girls’ room last night, and he put up the candles in the window, nativity scene is out. We generally deck out every room in the house. I just went and hid in my office. I’m so not ready for the holidays.
You’re right about spending money. We don’t have much, but it’s what the economy needs. Well that and dumping those bloody golden parachutes. *grin*
by Monica Burns November 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pmI’m looking forward to the holidays this year–I’ll have an editing deadline, but I’m pretty calm about that one.
I used to be the same way about the Christmas tree, Sylvia. In fact, we had a live tree, usually 10′ tall, every year. And as big around as possible–I usually got a mini scaffold set up so I could move around the top without having to climb up and down. And I put upwards of 1000 ornaments and bows on it.
It was always a beautiful tree. Two years ago, I nearly fell, twice, off the highest rung of a ladder, and I started thinking, hmmmm…. holidays with a broken arm or leg… not so fun. Plus my kids are grown, so it’ll be a much smaller tree.
by toni mcgee causey November 17th, 2008 at 3:07 pmMonica — I’m very happy to hear that your family is decorating already! And that you’re still planning to shop. Even a little bit helps, I think. Somehow, we need to get money flowing again.
Toni — I have tree envy. Would love to see pics!
by S.J. Day November 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pmGood for you! My tree went up Sunday night.
We’re going out of town for Thanksgiving and I thought, why not get it out of the way. Our house sitter can enjoy it!
Blessings, Rachel
by Rachel Hauck November 18th, 2008 at 9:00 amI love my Christmas tree, but I always feel guilty about having a fake tree in the heart of Christmas tree country. But I have a wood stove, so I lean to the side of Christmas tree safety.
I am one of those silly people who start gathering things for Christmas presents in May. ugh I know. I still end up rushing for stuff at the last moment – and worse, I’m the one woman who didn’t get the “Loves to shop, shop, shop shopping gene.” I do enjoy one evening out with hubby and one Saturday afternoon Christmas girls out (but mostly for the lunch) with my sister, daughters, and mom.
The kahlua gets made starting this weekend. I’m not making candy this year.
The tree will get put up a week or so after Christmas (a compromise between us.) We traditionally stay home for Christmas and open the doors to who ever wants to come, I love to cook. BTW dinner is around 4pm. Door’s open.
On the early Christmas push by radio (and tv) this year. The NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) and state associations put out commentary about two months ago urging radio stations to begin their holiday programming early enlight of the economic turn down. Personally I don’t know if that is good or bad. It’s good to encourage the economy, and bad to send people in to an emotional down ward spiral so early and for an extended period. Please give to your local shelters and emergency food pantries if you can.
by Cele November 18th, 2008 at 4:18 pmOh my gosh! You said that word that means I’m even more behind than the two days it took me to catch up to Monday!
by Debra Webb November 19th, 2008 at 5:24 amThe Christmas tree always goes up the weeked after Thanksgiving at my house. we like to enjoy Thanksgiving and then really get into Christmas.
I’m most looking forward to spending time with extended family members I don’t get to see very often. Well, that and finding gifts for my nieces and nephews. I still need to find out what my brother’s kids want, though.
Good luck with your deadlines.
by Karin November 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pmOur tree always goes up the weekend of Thanksgiving. My husband also does the outside of the house up! I call him “Clark” (as in Griswold).
I look forward to all sorts of food! But one I’ve already enjoyed is hot spiced Gluhwein (glow wine). Yum!
by Kim Lenox December 7th, 2008 at 7:02 pm