OPINIONS. Need to vent? Contact the editor at opinions @theotherpress.ca War of the Words: Celebrating Christmas early Bring on the poinsettias! Julia - Siedlanowska i Staff Writer Writer ‘Il be the first to admit that I haven't always been the biggest fan of Christmas. Growing up in a lower income family always made the holidays a strain, in regards to both time and money. However, as I’ve gotten older and taken much of the burden off my parents, it seems that the holidays have retained their charm and intended jolly spirit and lost most of the commercial impositions of the past. I now fall into the category of one who appreciates Christmas music, decorations, and poinsettias in early November. As soon as Halloween is finished, we all watch as the fake trees come out. Walmart, Superstore, and Costco employees spend the early mornings changing the inventory displays to meet the next financial opportunity. But let’s be honest—what else is there to get excited about in November? Christmas has become a milestone to mark the transition between the dreary, cold, damp lull of mid-fall. There is a time when autumn leaves are exciting and we welcome the chance to display our finest sweaters, mugs, and pea coats—but this quickly wears off. And as a woman, Movember simply isn’t enough for me. Remembrance Day is something not to be forgotten, but it’s a sombre event that I wouldn’t necessarily call a celebration. When the leaves become soggy and the light in your jack-o’-lantern flickers out, it’s time to look forward to something else. “Holiday spirit” still holds true for many, even though some may argue that Christmas is too commercialized. Some may look at the early displays as a nasty reminder of our wasteful, consumer-driven society; however, we must Photo illustration by Ed Appleby remind ourselves that we have the purchasing power and consumerism is in our hands. Personally, I don’t feel pressure to buy ridiculous amounts of anything for anyone during the holidays, and the early start only serves to take the pressure off last-minute purchases. In the last few years I have felt time moving faster than I could ever imagine. A month passes in a few weeks, and the weeks pass in a few days. November just started and December is only a week away. Starting Christmas early is a way to extend the joys of the holiday season. It’s a valuable tradition which at its core brings people together and inspires them to do good. It inspires generosity and offers some well- deserved feelings of warmth and rest in the coldest season. This is a feeling that it doesn’t hurt to extend. And as for political correctness, in this case may I just say, “Fuck political correctness”? The debates on celebrating Christmas in schools or whether to say “Happy Holidays” as opposed to “Merry Christmas” are just plain ridiculous. The holiday is so far from religious and is celebrated by so many non-Christians that it shouldn't be offensive to any religion. Just as you would experience the traditions of a different culture leaving the country, you should experience it living in your own. Christmas isn’t an imposition of Christian beliefs, it’s a cultural tradition— and starting early is a way to prepare and generate positive excitement just as you would for any other festival or celebration. It gives a chance to express your love for family, friends, and for your fellow man. December can’t come fast enough. [ts not that time of year yet Elliot Chan Opinions Editor ‘ts opinions@theotherpress.ca t seems each year the gap between Christmases is shorter and shorter, like some festive global warming sucking the life out of every other season. Every November, I watch as some people glow with anticipation, while others frown at all the premature tinsel, lights, and Santa Claus imitators. Now, I hate to defend the Grinches out there, because I’m all about fun and decorations—who cares what religion, holiday, or festival 16 people actually celebrate, it’s all about good cheer—but let’s not have three servings of dessert before dinner; that would spoil our appetite. I personally never set up Christmas decorations. | consider it a waste of time, although I’m glad other people string them up. Still ] wonder why they don’t just leave them up all year round if they like them so much. Is that such a stupid question? Why can’t we have Christmas lights on 365 days of the year? I wouldn’t be angry—then again, we might as well go ahead and celebrate my birthday and Halloween 365 days a year as well. ] wouldn't be angry about that, either. The point I’m trying to make here is that patience should be a part of the holiday season. It’s an important discipline to embed into our psyche. It strengthens us as people. Anticipation plays a large role during the holidays, and it’s figuratively the heartbeat of the season. There is nothing wrong with looking forward to something, but don’t count the Easter eggs before they hatch. Honestly, there are way too many holidays and it’s a tad overkill to celebrate one for over a month and a half. Big box retail stores and Starbucks will tell you differently, but we know their plan. In a survey conducted by SOASTA, 77 per cent of American adults didn’t want stores putting up Christmas decorations before American Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November), and 81 per cent felt stores shouldn’t play Christmas music before turkey day, either. My attitude towards decorations is always akin to my attitude towards chores: just get it over with. But it shouldn’t be. Decorating shouldn’t be a lonesome undertaking like mowing the lawn or cleaning the gutters. It should be a shared experience with those we care about. Isn’t that what the holiday is about? So savour it a little, don’t just rush into it and get it done. If you ever feel traditions are becoming a humdrum task, remember you're not obligated. Nobody really cares if your lights are up at all. Christmas is inviting, it’s fun, and it brings back all the good memories of childhood, but let’s grow up for a moment and think about everything else in life. It’s not healthy to indulge too much in one thing. We call them traditions, and traditions in their simplest form are rules and guidelines (I know, that sounds horrible, but they are). It’s not a bylaw and nobody is going to get arrested or fined, but the unwritten tradition is that decorations go up two weeks before Christmas and come down 12 days after.