Ok, I realize that this post probably isn't going to win me any friends...but I've got to get this off my chest!
I totally understand that Black Friday, the day after the American Thanksgiving is considered the start of the Christmas season. I get that, and for years, participated in that. However, 4 or so years ago, DH's grandfather passed away. He had always hosted Thanksgiving dinner for that side of the family since I've been in the family. We ate around 6 p.m. After he passed away, I was blessed enough to be allowed by the family to host Thanksgiving dinner. However, since we live about an hour to two hours (depending on which relative) from the rest of the family, we decided we'd have our celebration on the Saturday after Tday. Suddenly, that changed the whole dynamic of my holiday weekend. I don't like to mix holidays--don't like eating Thanksgiving turkey with a Christmas tree up...just one of my many quirks!! So, there went the Black Friday Christmas decorating marathon. I obviously couldn't do it Saturday...by the time everyone left and I got things put back together the way I like them...I was exhausted. So, that left Sunday afternoon. Except that I only had a few hours between church services, and the boys were babies...and it takes a long time for me to get everything out of storage...then to put it up...I'd barely get started, then would have to quit. So, time for a new plan. I started doing my decorating on the Monday after Tgiving. It takes about a week, and I host a mother-daughter tea party for my Sunday School class on the first Sunday in December, so I have to get it done.
The first year...I didn't like it. But, as the years have gone on, I find that I actually enjoy having the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving. I do shop a little, but not at the manic pace I use to go. I really like having the focus on giving thanks for the blessings we've received, family and of course the food!! Now, I'm not against listening to Christmas music, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, etc. that weekend. I just like to extend the fall a few more days!!
I'm not advocating everyone going crazy and giving up starting the Christmas season on Black Friday...I'm just saying that for my little family, it is working like a charm! When I do decorate, I'm relaxed and it's a lot more fun.
:lol:
I totally understand that Black Friday, the day after the American Thanksgiving is considered the start of the Christmas season. I get that, and for years, participated in that. However, 4 or so years ago, DH's grandfather passed away. He had always hosted Thanksgiving dinner for that side of the family since I've been in the family. We ate around 6 p.m. After he passed away, I was blessed enough to be allowed by the family to host Thanksgiving dinner. However, since we live about an hour to two hours (depending on which relative) from the rest of the family, we decided we'd have our celebration on the Saturday after Tday. Suddenly, that changed the whole dynamic of my holiday weekend. I don't like to mix holidays--don't like eating Thanksgiving turkey with a Christmas tree up...just one of my many quirks!! So, there went the Black Friday Christmas decorating marathon. I obviously couldn't do it Saturday...by the time everyone left and I got things put back together the way I like them...I was exhausted. So, that left Sunday afternoon. Except that I only had a few hours between church services, and the boys were babies...and it takes a long time for me to get everything out of storage...then to put it up...I'd barely get started, then would have to quit. So, time for a new plan. I started doing my decorating on the Monday after Tgiving. It takes about a week, and I host a mother-daughter tea party for my Sunday School class on the first Sunday in December, so I have to get it done.
The first year...I didn't like it. But, as the years have gone on, I find that I actually enjoy having the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving. I do shop a little, but not at the manic pace I use to go. I really like having the focus on giving thanks for the blessings we've received, family and of course the food!! Now, I'm not against listening to Christmas music, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, etc. that weekend. I just like to extend the fall a few more days!!
I'm not advocating everyone going crazy and giving up starting the Christmas season on Black Friday...I'm just saying that for my little family, it is working like a charm! When I do decorate, I'm relaxed and it's a lot more fun.
:lol: