Christmas Music? Now?!
-Kayla Hoben

Here’s my number one rule when it comes to ANYTHING remotely festive in the Fall: No Christmas until after Halloween. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves to see Christmas decorations before Halloween, which also means I’m not the biggest fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, but that’s a controversial topic for another time. I know some people are screaming at their screens right now saying, “what about Thanksgiving!?” and while I love the holiday, I will admit I always start listening to Christmas music at least by the second week of November. I personally feel that all the fun of the Christmas season deserves more than just one month to enjoy; the happiness I feel when I see the four different colored artificial christmas trees in my house is unparalleled.

The biggest motivator however? Seasonal depression. By November in New England, the colorful fall leaves have fallen off the trees and turned a dull shade of brown. The weather is cold, dry, and overall pretty miserable! So, when I see the opportunity to make the time before Thanksgiving a bit more festive, I absolutely take it.

However, just because I love the holiday, doesn’t mean I decorate my entire house on November 1st. In my mind, I divide it into two separate phases, before and after Thanksgiving. In the first phase, I’ll listen to some Christmas music, drink hot chocolate, and maybe start creating holiday Pinterest boards. In the second phase, which is after Thanksgiving, I go ALL OUT. My whole family does, and so do my neighbors, so I feel like it’s justified.

Regardless of how you decide to spend your fall and winter months, it is really about being grateful for all we have, spending time with your family, and seniors, don’t forget about those college applications! (Yes, you should be working on those supplementals right now, but I won’t judge). For all of you who can’t stand hearing Christmas music until after the turkey has been served, you might want to cover your ears…I can practically hear Mariah Carey already.