On the eve of November 1st, miniature creatures, princesses, and ninjas roam the streets and newly appointed teenagers become spectacular artists as they stain the dark night sky with bursts of explosive, cracking fireworks. The night seems darker, longer, and more ominous as the clouds splattered against the full moon seem to provoke the resurrection of ghosts and goblins from where they reside.
After a while, the echo of sirens taper off, the moon vanishes behind the clouds, and eventually, the sun makes its grand entrance; and it’s officially November. The leaves still crowd back streets and sidewalks; they linger on tree branches, waiting for that final gust of wind to set them free. Skeletons lay askew, jack-o-lanterns start to rot on front porches, and fake cobs webs begin to twist and knot themselves in bushes and trees.
So, November doesn’t actually look any different than October at first, and it doesn’t really feel any different either. And yet, if you listen close enough you’ll hear a faint witches cackle morph into sleigh bells and ho-ho-ho’s. Listen! Can you hear it? It sounds kind of like red and green; it sounds like caramel brule lattes, pine trees, carols, snowflakes and hot chocolate. It sounds like… Christmas!
But there’s other signs that Christmas is in the air too! (But seriously, it’s like 50 days away… MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FELLOW, LOVELY, BEAUTIUL COLLEGIATES!)
Mall Decorations
My prediction is that we’ll begin to see window displays pop up everywhere come mid-November. Before you know it, Christmas decorations will be up in malls, and their pop radio station will instead, blast Christmas tunes.
Nativity Scenes
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the emerging holiday season, I always love to come across tranquil little nativity scenes outside churches, or in smaller stores. It’s serves as a reminder of what the holiday season is really about.
Bags Everywhere
I absolutely love to identify the moment in November when, all of the sudden (or so it would seem,) people are carrying around more bags with them than usual. It’s almost an instantaneous intuition of recognition; seeing those bags of toys and clothes, material objects that serve to represent love, belonging, and loyalty. It’s the idea of giving, and selflessness that makes Christmas beautiful. It’s the parents who save up all year just so they can see that smile and light in their child’s eyes as they rush downstairs on Christmas morning – there’s nothing like it.
Starbucks
Okay collegiates, are you sitting down? Good! Because there is an official Starbucks #redcups countdown website. Therefore, according to Starbucks it’s officially Christmas (well, practically) November, Friday 4th. *crying*
Snow
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we are said to get a lot of snow this year. Imagine a montage of snowball fights, igloos, snowmen, fresh powder on the slopes, and maybe (just maybe) a white Christmas. So, if you’re one of those people who waits until December to embrace the holidays, if it snows before then… promise me, you’ll listen to “Let It Snow” at least.
SANTA!
According to most websites, Santa starts visiting malls around mid-late November, which means, we only have a couple more weeks to wait before visiting our favorite white bearded gentlemen, who wears a red suit, lives at the North Pole and owns eight reindeer.
Christmas Magic
Have you ever noticed there seems to be a more generous, loving, and cheerful spirit in the air around Christmas time? It’s almost supernatural how the air itself is electric, it tickles your skin and warms your heart – it reminds you that you’re alive and overwhelms you with love. And this magic isn’t in the mall, the bags full with presents, the stuffed turkey, or decorations; instead it’s in the moments spent with friends and family, and the whispered I-love-you’s.
It seems there are three types of people in this world, 1) people who get excited for Christmas come November 1st, 2) people who get into the Christmas spirit December 1st and 3) the select and very passionate group of people who consume everything-Christmas all year round.
Me? I reside somewhere in the middle. This year I’m exceptionally excited for Christmas, and November 1st marks the first day when it’s officially socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music. And after a long year of busy schedules, activities, school and other things, Christmas marks a time when you get to kick back and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.
The way I see it, any accuse for people to be merry and cheerful, generous, and loving in a magical sort of way is one that should be celebrated and accepted, rather than shamed. So this year, I say we spread the Christmas spirit a little earlier, and we all know that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. So blast that Christmas album in your car, dig out your Christmas sweaters, and start your Christmas shopping right… now.