Back off, Christmas!

That's what I feel like during this season. As soon as October hits, it's all about pumpkins and orange/black decorations and candy. That's all well and good, but then as soon as October 31 is over, here come the Christmas decorations in the stores! I understand that it is all a marketing technique to get us to buy more now AND later, but sometimes I feel like standing up and screaming, "People! Don't you realize that you are forgetting something???"

I have to admit, I do love Christmas, probably more than Thanksgiving. I just feel so sorry for poor Turkey Day, squeezed in between two flashier, cooler holidays that get a lot more of the popular vote, especially with the kiddos. Even the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is trumped at the end by the huge sleigh and reindeer pulling Santa Claus.

It's just nice to slow down, get a few days off from work or school or whatever, and gather around the table with family and friends to share a large meal with way too many casseroles and pies. You know?

So, when that radio station starts playing Christmas music the week before Thanksgiving, don't listen! Or just listen every so often. Or do like me and just turn it to that particular station on the radio in your shower, so that you only listen to it a few minutes of the day.

Of course, the day after Thanksgiving is fair game...