Actually, Karis really wanted to start decorating, and listening to Christmas music, BEFORE Halloween. I argue, however, that the Christmas season begins on my birthday (which, coincidentally, is usually when people begin to celebrate Advent; thought I guess technically Advent occasionally occurs as early as November 27 or as late as December 3).
I was even willing to concede the week after Thanksgiving, just so long as we could celebrate our holidays in order - Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas.
But some how we now have miniature illuminating houses in our living room. While Karis assures me that they are actually "winter" decorations, and not Christmas ones, I have my suspicions.
I would also argue that it's not winter yet, but some would counter that the Winter Solstice marks Midwinter and not the beginning of winter - Karis probably isn't one of these people, but the Irish and Scandinavians are (claiming that Winter begins with Samhain or All Hallows and ending with Imbolc or Candlemas).
Hmm, I just checked the box and it says the houses are part of the "Santa's Workbench Collection," and while Santa Claus might not have anything to do with Christmas, I don't think he is strictly associated with winter...
Ha! Did you know that Ryan and I start listening to Christmas music ever year on November 1? We were both brought up to wait until Thanksgiving, but decided at Houghton we couldn't take it anymore.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really broken much out this year though. I think it is because I am at a place that is so liturgically sensitive (and it has been 65 degrees recently). I'm sure I will start listening full swing when Advent does come though! I'm just sad I won't be able to live by candelelight this year :-(