Alexa Potamianos:
There is nothing that gets me in the holiday spirit more than a peppermint mocha. The first sip of the season is nothing short of magical, and you can enjoy that first sip as early as November 3rd, marking the start of the holiday season.
There is so much joy associated with the holiday season, and I feel it should get more than just one month to shine. I am not saying to put up decorations on the first of the month and pretend fall doesn’t exist, but it certainly does not hurt to pull out some holiday PJs and begin festivities early.
Now I would be crazy to say forget about Thanksgiving altogether, and it certainly gets its one weekend. There is a pause in the lights and music and movies to honor beloved traditions filled with good food and family, but the other holidays should not have to wait entirely for it to be over.
The holidays are truly a magical time full of so much joy and love, and there is beauty in the sense that they are so different for everyone.
For me, the perfect winter night consists of driving around and looking at the bright shimmering lights. I especially love when they move to festive music on the radio — it is truly an experience. Then, returning to the comfort of your couch with some cozy PJs, hot cocoa and a classic festive movie, it’s truly a warm fuzzy feeling filled with nothing but pure joy.
While I can definitely appreciate the fall, winter holidays deserve their time to shine.
Ronan Himelrick:
Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays. The music, food, movies and energy all make this time of year so special. That being said, I think the holiday season needs to wait until after Thanksgiving, specifically on the drive back home from Thanksgiving dinner with relatives.
Thanksgiving is an underappreciated holiday that unfortunately comes between the costumes and candy of Halloween and the music, movies and theatrics of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
In my younger years, I would’ve argued that the holiday season should be as long as possible, but now, my appreciation of autumn has grown. Nothing can compare to a crisp fall day filled with vibrant leaves and a feeling of chilly wind on your face. I argue that fall is one of the best seasons, if not the best, especially in New England. Thanksgiving is one of the best days of the fall season. I love the smells of food baking in the oven and the sounds of my family laughing at the dinner table.
Those same feelings are present during my family’s Christmas festivities, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve had a stronger feeling of fondness for Thanksgiving.
I tend to think that the best part of the holiday season for me is the anticipation. As a child, that anticipation was for Christmas eve and Santa coming to visit. I wanted Santa to come to my house as soon as I finished my Halloween candy. Now, I anticipate being able to go home for Thanksgiving more than anything.
I love the winter holidays, but they have to wait their turn until the fall season is over.