Wandering around Target, it is easy to notice the uptick in festive cheer decking the halls of the popular retail store. Shelves once dawned with ghastly ghouls have been swiftly replaced with sweet-looking snowmen, creating a winter wonderland. Well, as opposed to the 75° weather we’ve been having.
While there may be “no singing in the North Pole,” it is almost impossible to not hum along to Micheal Bublė and Mariah Carey while browsing the snack aisle — I mean, buying the cleaning supplies I’m there for in the first place. And, there totally is not a bunch of unnecessary holiday decor that found itself in my shopping cart, who would even suggest that?
In this Target run, there is something that seems to be seriously lacking: the turkey day decor! As November begins, it seems that the line between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons grows smaller and smaller, with stores, advertisements and even people starting their celebrations as soon as the day after Halloween (guilty as charged). While some like to experience the Christmas spirit as soon as possible, others like to hang their stockings after the turkey has been carved.
As a known Thanksgiving food hater (hater is a strong word, but there’s definitely better cuisine out there), I’m the type to throw on my headphones and jam to Christmas music as soon as the Halloween costumes are put away. What other holiday has classics such as “Little Saint Nick” and “Run Run Rudolph” that are not only great songs in their own right, but the perfect way to spread some merriment? While I may be steadfast in my opinions on holiday music, so are others.
Sophomore Anna Minino had a very different stance. While talking to my roommate, I brought up the fact that it is hard to get into the Thanksgiving mood when there is no good music to listen to centered around the holiday. Mid-sentence, she stopped me and started blasting “Turkey Lurkey Time” from “Glee,” and the “Thanksgiving Theme” from Charlie Brown. “These are some great songs,” Minino countered.
On a more serious note, Minino is more drawn to Thanksgiving due to her Spanish heritage.
“For me, Christmas lasts much later, so I don’t feel the need to rush it. In my culture, we always keep our Christmas tree up and still celebrate until The Epiphany. Many cultures outside of the U.S. also celebrate this way,” Minino explains.
“Thanksgiving is also my favorite holiday. Although the holiday’s history is not the best, I do believe that it is important that we take the time to reflect and be thankful for those around us, especially because in our day-to-day life we often forget to,” Minino stated.
Sophomore Madison Ryder’s view on Christmas music more closely aligns with mine. Emphasizing how excited she is for the holiday, she simply stated, “It’s Christmas time.”
In all seriousness, holiday cheer is unlike any other, no matter what holiday you are celebrating. This time of year brings around a deeper connection to those around you — friends, family and your community. Whether it’s the sharing of a large meal or the exchange of gifts nestled beside a warm fire, the appreciation we hold for one another should always hold strong. While I’ll continue listening to my Christmas music, I also can’t wait to dig in on Thanksgiving! Happy Holidays!
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