Merry Christmas, Tyrone!

Sorry, am I too out of line? Good. I apologize for any actual, real-life inconvenience I may have given anyone by expressing my love for what Andy Williams calls “the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s no exaggeration to claim that the big ole’ December 25th is the one day of the year almost all people in the United States of America look forward to. Alas, there are some Grinches among us, even in your own homes. You know it, I know it, Christmas is a year-long celebration that will not be withered away by Scrooges that will only find coal in their stockings this upcoming Christmas.

Do you know what makes me burn hotter than a yule log in a lit fireplace? People try to chop down MY Christmas spirit just to have some sense of uniqueness for attention.

My dearest apologizes on behalf of all things Christmas if you snowflakes didn’t get your fourteenth iPhone for the year; didn’t you learn that Christmas doesn’t come from a store? I suppose you forgot that Christmas means just a little bit more. I believe the most likely reason of all, is perhaps your hearts are two sizes too small.

“I don’t believe that 25 days is enough time to celebrate such a grand holiday. A holiday of such nature demands more time to celebrate and enjoy. The argument isn’t that everyone should celebrate early, rather that if one wishes to partake in holiday festivities early they have the right to do so without scrutiny from people who don’t agree,” senior Brent McNeel.

I will say it because it needs to be said, but Christmas has no time limit, nor will it ever.

Some will argue, “Celebrating Christmas first completely gets rid of Thanksgiving celebration,” and while part of that has truth to it, the fact of the matter is that no one celebrating Christmas early will ever downgrade Thanksgiving. They call it “The Holidays” for a reason. My question to you, however, is if we must celebrate Thanksgiving with the same effort as Christmas, then why not break out the Thanksgiving decorations, Thanksgiving music, and Thanksgiving tree for the great “Turkey Claus” to put stuffing and mashed potatoes under on Thanksgiving Eve? Oh, none of those exist? Bummer.

It may be hard to believe, but some of those who claim that Christmas is only appropriate at certain times are hypocrites. If people can post on social media several times a week all year round about how they can’t wait to see their professional football/basketball/hockey team lose for the 9th year in a row, then I can talk about Christmas whenever I so choose to! If there is one thing that is guaranteed, Ebeneezer, it’s that Christmas won’t go under 500 on you every single year.

Christmas is celebrated in more ways and more times than many of us possibly believe. The snow, trees and fancy lights may be what makes the Christmas nostalgia come to life, but the message behind the tinsel and carols is so much more to be appreciated and loved. Contrary to the belief of many, it is perfectly okay to celebrate Christmas whenever you decide. So slap on that Christmas hat, bake enough cookies to last until July, and sing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” until your voice is gone because in America, Christmas is always in season.

“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” – Santa Claus.