Christmas Music and the Decline of Thanksgiving

A day after Halloween, I had to run into the mall for a few last minute wedding items. As I approached the center of the mall, my eyes went numb as I witnessed the Disney Store taking down the Halloween decorations while only a few yards away, Santa was sitting in front of a huge Christmas tree, anticipating the arrival of crying children to sit on his lap. When did Christmas move to November? Did I miss the memo? Christmas music and Santa Claus should not appear until December 1^st.

No other holiday in the world has been extended for two months and for good reason: it gets boring! In October, Halloween movies and TV specials run all month, but when Halloween is over, the scary entertainment disappears. Each year, it seems the Christmas spirit arrives earlier and earlier for the retail industry. If this doesn’t end soon, then before we know it, Christmas will be celebrated from January until December!

As a kid, I clearly remember watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; gleefully, anticipating Santa’s first appearance. With Black Friday sales and door buster giveaways, Thanksgiving has been eradicated from the calendar. While eating juicy turkey and making volcanos with their mashed potatoes, my family conversation consisted of Black Friday shopping and Christmas dinner ideas. Who is to blame? The retail industry!

As the retail industry has moved Christmas earlier and earlier into November, Santa’s payroll has taken a huge hit. In February 2010, Santa reported a 26% increase in overtime being paid to elves since 2009. Due to the increase in payroll, he can no longer afford the production of electronics, such as video game systems and e-readers. In fact, if this trend continues, then don’t be surprised to find Tinker Toys or Madden 2001 under the tree this year, since they are both inexpensive to produce. Additionally, Santa has gained an excessive 30 extra pounds of baggage to his already enormous frame, which he has failed to burn off in time, since his Christmas appearances have begun earlier. He had to buy a new suit, which is not cheap.

How do we solve this problem? Boycott Christmas until December is displayed on the calendar! Refuse to listen to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer on the radio, don’t shop on Black Friday (even if you can get a 46” TV for $250), and enjoy Thanksgiving. Eat turkey with your family, not McDonald’s standing in line outside of Best Buy on Thanksgiving.