Yes, it's that time of year again to stir up that great debate on:
"When is it okay to put up the Christmas decorations in stores?"
This year my first sighting of Christmas was in a Menard's store on the second to last week of September. And it wasn't just an aisle of string lights and lighted snowmen; it was a full fledged onslaught of everything Christmas,at least 10 aisles to choose from.
I heard some radio fodder on this subject last week, mainly the discussion of Nordstroms Department stores taking a stand against putting any Christmas decor up until the day after Thanksgiving. One of their window signs simply explained the reason why:
Why? Well, we just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time.
Nordstroms has actually stuck to this tradition since 2009, although back then some employees complained of having to work on Thanksgiving evening to put together the decorations in Nordstroms Department Stores. I do not know if this tactic has changed or not, I hope it has. It does kind of put the sting on being able to follow through on what they say they believe: to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving.
I kind of like the way Nordstroms feels about celebrating one holiday at a time. Its sad that Thanksgiving always gets overlooked when it comes to American culture today.
Is it possibly because there are no real Thanksgiving decorations to attract consumers to the stores to spend money? I mean, who is going to rush to the store and go shopping and spend a lot of money when the only decor they see hanging up are some Autumn flowers of color, some photos of Pilgrims,and candy corn? But do we really need to be coaxed into having to celebrate a day where we are supposed to be thankful for what we have?
Thanksgiving originated from a European tradition, where a celebration was held before and after the harvest cycles for farmers to give thanks for a good harvest.
Unfortunately for some reason or another there will be many who may not carry with them a heart of thankfulness this upcoming season. But that is okay as long as those who are blessed find a way to bless those that are in need. After all, isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about, not just being thankful, but thankful in our giving as well.
As for not skipping over one season or holiday for another, I think of the other day as I ventured through the woods for some Autumn pics:
While walking along a trail I couldn't help but notice a few butterflies flying along my path. Understanding their time is short lived now, these colorful specimens were enjoying the season, wallowing from flower to flower,tree to tree, and seemingly enjoying the moment.
Shouldn't we be doing the same, enjoying the days one season at a time?
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