Now that Halloween is over, my mind has immediately shifted to Christmas-mode. With some light snow flurries falling over State College on the first day of November, that feeling was a little stronger than usual this year.
I absolutely love the holiday season. Growing up in NYC, it was always so special to watch as lights went up all over the city, transforming the chaos into a magical winter wonderland. Walking around the winter market at Bryant Park, visiting Santa at Macy’s on 34th Street, and taking pictures in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree have always been some of my favorite memories and I can’t wait for December to begin.
Standing in my way is Thanksgiving and the month of November, which I’m not too thrilled about. However, as much as I love Christmas, there is something special about spending time with my family to focus on the things that I’m grateful for. It allows us to remember what’s important, during a season that can be easily overwhelmed by gift-giving and selfish desires. We reflect and can then move forward having those priorities in the forefront of our minds.
This year, I’m grateful for both the relationships that I’ve strengthened and those that I’ve let go of. I’m grateful to have an incredible support system and to be surrounded by people that challenge and inspire me each and every day. I’m grateful for new opportunities, new experiences, and new adventures.
Now, let’s bring on Christmas!
Hi Jess! I totally agree with you! Living with 3 other roommates in an apartment, it took a lot of restraint to not decorate for the holidays before break (my roommates said it was too early!). While I have been listening to Christmas music for the past 2 weeks, I told myself that during break I would truly focus on the meaning of Thanksgiving and slightly stray away from the Christmas spirit for a week. I feel that the meaning of Thanksgiving is often overshadowed by the excitement of Christmas, so I attempt to remind myself of the importance of its origin and traditions.
WOOO! I love Christmas music, but I and am so excited to celebrate Thanksgiving. Christmas is really special, and gives me a wave of nostalgia and joy. Thanksgiving is actually my favorite holiday because it has the anticipation of Christmas, joy of family, and great food. Knowing that Christmas is just around the corner is so special. Happy holidays!
Hi Jess!
I have been waiting for someone to make a Christmas post, so this was the highlight of my day!! I agree that the holiday spirit and feeling you get during the Christmas season, when you’re wrapped up in cozy blankets and drinking hot cocoa, or seeing the lights on the Rockefeller Center tree are unreal. I am looking forward to the holiday season this year, as I am sure you are too! In all honesty, I considered Thanksgiving to be within the Christmas season. The moment November 1st hits and Mariah Carey defrosts, it is time to hang up those Christmas lights and spread some holiday cheer!
Hey Jess,
As much as I love thanksgiving, I literally put up my decorations the day after halloween. I recently put up my tree yesterday in my apartment as well because I literally love christmas. I know that thanksgiving should be cherished and not overlook, but I feel like the holidays in general are a time to be grateful about those around you and cherish those times together!!
Best,
Marcus Spiller
Hi Jessica,
I think you made a lot of great points in your blog. One question I have is you mentioned how November “stands in the way” of Christmas enjoyment, have you ever felt that November just provides more time to enjoy the season?
Hi Jess!
I was just having this discussion with my roommate–how soon is too soon?! I always feel bad for Thanksgiving as the Christmas season completely blends into it–while I’ll still enjoy the Christmas time and will take as much of it as I can get, I want to give Thanksgiving the moment she deserves.
It is so cool to hear about all of the holiday traditions you get to be a part of through growing up in NYC–you definitely get a taste of both holidays and have lots of awesome moments to look forward to! I bet it would be so magical to go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade or see the Rockefeller Tree!
Regardless of which holiday is in the spotlight, I am just looking forward to some time at home with my family–which I know you are too!
Hi Jess!
I have been waiting for someone to post about this! Despite being super excited about Christmas, I have decided to wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music. This decision is partly because of family and thanksgiving traditions, but also because my birthday is is coming up. Having a birthday so close to Thanksgiving (Nov. 21), it is weird to celebrate a holiday other than Thanksgiving this early in November. With that being said, the second Thanksgiving and my birthday are officially over, I will be decorating for Christmas and listening to my favorite Christmas songs. I am also looking forward to watching Christmas movies with my extended family, like Christmas Vacation and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (you have to appeal to the younger and older generations).
Hey Jess!!!! I’ve been waiting for this one! As someone who doesn’t care about Halloween, Christmas is the only holiday I wait for during this time of the year. I understand the frustration of having a lot of work and exams so close to the holidays, but it makes the anticipation and the satisfaction of Christmas so much better. Before you know it, you will be standing in front of the Rockefeller tree and walking around the Bryant Park winter market <3
Hi Jess,
I could not agree more; I’ve been listening to Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande nonstop the past few days because the dose of serotonin is simply unmatched. I am starting to get the point where I cannot wait to be home for Winter Break and just cozy up with the snow and the holiday movies. It’s going to be great!
In terms of NYC in Christmas, it is my favorite thing in the world. NYC has always been my dream and growing up my family would actually always do a NYC trip during Christmas time as the Rockefeller tree, the holiday decorations and lights, the beautiful snow on the city, its just something that is dear to me when it comes to Christmas time. I’m glad that we both share that memory!
Best,
Sanchita
Hi Jess!!
Love thist post. For me, the spirit of Christmas really comes from seeing other people getting excited for the holidays and reading your post has put me in the mood to bring out the Christmas decorations and get my playlist going! It’s so fun to hear your experience with Christmas as someone from NYC. I can’t imagine amazing it must be to see the city light up and transform during the holidays.
It’s TIIIIIIIIME
I think Thanksgiving is the middle child that is somewhat forgotten but still loved and appreciated in its own way.
I agree wholeheartedly with you Jess, there is something so magical and pleasant about Christmas lights and the holiday energy in December.
I think a lot of credit goes to the Home Alone movie honestly