Christmas in November?

It would seem that the "it" question at this time of year is "When do YOU put up your Christmas tree?"

Everyone seems to have an opinion on when is too early to begin the 24/7 Christmas music too. 

Growing up, our family made a tradition of going to cut our own tree and decorating that night sometime after Thanksgiving. We NEVER hung the first strand of twinkling lights or baked the first batch of cookies before the last balloon of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade had been deflated and stored for at least 24 hours. 

Now, the store shelves and advertisements are filled with yuletide wares in early September. Commercialism aside, there is definite pressure to begin celebrating the season earlier and earlier. 

As a parent, there are SO many activities for our kids. Then, there are work obligations. There are family expectations. The church calendar is full of both expectations and obligations. It can be exhausting just glancing at the calendar for December and it is only the first day of November. 

For me, I have decided not to fight the lengthening Christmas season, but instead to embrace it. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to rush past or overlook Thanksgiving. Being thankful is VERY important . . . 

My idea is this - let's make Thanksgiving a part of the Christmas season. What better way to begin celebrating the birth of our Savior, then being appreciative of all that He has given to us? 

Besides, I have often wondered who non-believers express their Thanksgiving gratitude to, if they aren't thanking God. 

Let's teach our children how the two holidays fold into worshiping the same Jesus. No matter when the tree is decorated, the sense of awe over what God has provided, can still, and should be central to our celebration of BOTH days. 

Spilling a little red and green into fall's oranges and browns can help us spread the stress out as moms while at the same time giving us a longer opportunity to teach our children the real reason for the seasons. Decorating the tree and enjoying its light doesn't have to feel like an "I've got to" as we rush to cross off one more thing from our to-do list. 

"Happy Thanksgiving!" can be part of "Merry Christmas!"

What do you think? Yay or Nay - should we start celebrating Christmas in November?