I’m going to make a feather-ruffling, potentially unpopular, and highly controversial statement. It’s probably the most polarizing thing I’ve ever said at (in)courage. Hang on to your hats.
I’ve been watching Christmas movies for weeks.
Yep.
While preparing my kids’ Halloween costumes, eating their candy, and planning my Thanksgiving menu, holiday movies have been on in the background. I’ve also been tuning in to my favorite Christmas playlist.
That’s right. I’ve been rockin’ around the (musical) Christmas tree.
You know what else? I bought a carton of eggnog. I’ve been diffusing a combination of cinnamon, orange, and clove essential oils nonstop. My mantle currently has both a pumpkin candle, a Thanksgiving-y banner that says gather, and a collection of glittery bottlebrush trees. Speaking of, we are putting up a Christmas tree this weekend. It’s pre-lit, so we’ll enjoy the glow without decorations throughout November, and then we will trim it the day after Thanksgiving!
GASP!
I think I can hear you inhaling sharply.
I also believe I may hear you clapping. I know I’m not actually alone in my stretch-out-the-celebrations-as-long-as-possible style.
It seems that often, when people express their holiday joy outside of December, they’re met with scoffs and scowls and general Scrooge-iness, and I always wonder why. I understand letting each holiday breathe on its own, giving each its own space and time to be enjoyed, but it just seems that really, what in the world warrants actual anger for someone simply enjoying a holiday or celebration that brings them deep joy? Can’t ‘tis the season mean just that — this is an entire season filled with opportunities for celebrating?
The God we celebrate and praise created each of us with unique hearts, and likes, and things that bring us joy, and I’m pretty sure He wants us to lean into them. Irenaeus’s famous quote, “The glory of God is man fully alive,” resonates with my (year-round, Christmas-loving) heart because loving and celebrating holidays both big and small is part of who He made me to be. I hope it brings Him glory when I lean into that, operating in who I am by His design.
Friend, when it comes to celebrations, you do you. It doesn’t matter one bit when you jump into the holidays. October? November? Christmas Eve? Not at all? All Thanksgiving all the time? Put up the tree tonight or keep it tucked away until Christmas Eve? Game on! Throw a party on a Tuesday night? Invite your pals over for a holiday movie marathon and cookie swap in November? Have a Friendsgiving in January? Go for it! You get to celebrate in the way that’s most meaningful for you, and no one gets to tell you there’s a better or different or right way to do that.
We have today, which means we have a chance to celebrate.
So do it. Celebrate — whatever you want, whenever you want. Set out all the autumn decorations. Eat the cake. Throw the party. Put up your Christmas tree. Lean into celebration whenever you can because there is extraordinary in every single one of our plain old everydays, and each one of them deserves to be celebrated.
Whatever brings you joy and God glory, do that — during the holidays and all your days.