The moment November 1st rolls around everyone immediately goes into Christmas mode; Mariah’s defrosted, Christmas trees go up, the Starbucks and Dunkin holiday menus come out, and holiday stores are stocked to the brim with decorations, candles, stockings, and gifts. In an instant, turkey, pumpkin pie, and the gratitude of Thanksgiving is set aside for the bright and buzzing Christmas season. But we forget to ask ourselves exactly why we set it aside, not realizing we have been influenced by a combination of cultural, commercial, and psychological factors.
Globally, nearly 160 countries and over 2 billion people celebrate Christmas while only 300 million people celebrate Thanksgiving. Christmas has been around for nearly 1,700 years occurring back in 336 AD while Thanksgiving was first celebrated only 400 years ago. Historically, Christmas takes precedence over Thanksgiving.
Stores begin promoting and start holiday campaigns early in order to consolidate inventory and capture early shoppers. Some people begin their holiday shopping way in advance, and retailers are ready to make sales in November and continue throughout December. Widespread commercialization of Christmas also starts earlier each year, encouraging consumers to begin shopping long before Thanksgiving. Although these retailers are prepared, the overabundance of holiday campaigns and advertisements get everyone excited for the holidays, motivating society to get into the holiday spirit a little too early in advance.
Looking forward to Christmas is a psychological phenomenon. Everything about the holidays surrounds being with family and friends, and something about Christmas evokes a sense of nostalgia no other holiday can. When we were little kids, we would wait for Santa to eat the cookies and milk and leave presents wrapped in sparkly paper underneath the glowing tree. We would watch Christmas movies draped in fuzzy blankets and drink those warm cups of hot cocoa that always burned but in the most comforting way. Each year we crave this same feeling, no matter if you are 16 or 60 years old; the magic of Christmas is embedded within us, and we have instilled these feelings of joy and warmth ever since we were little. These thoughts of Christmas even release dopamine and feel-good chemicals, reducing stress and making this time of year exciting for us. Once November rolls around, we are ready to kick into Christmas mode and release tons of feel-good energy.
Thanksgiving shouldn’t be forgotten. Although Christmas is always an exciting time of the year, pausing and expressing gratitude during Thanksgiving is a special way to reflect on life with the people you care about. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take a step back before entering the Christmas season, allowing us to slow down, acknowledge the small and special moments, and enter the Christmas season gratefully.