First of all, let me just say something before I begin this rant. I love Christmas just as much as the next person. Now, that being said, I'd like to take a moment of your time to have a rather one-sided discussion about how hard it is to raise a child these days. I'm not referring to any acts of terrorism or any wars currently in progress. I'm talking about the failing attempt to teach my son that there is actually a holiday between Halloween and Christmas. Before any of you "shuras" (SEE guestbook) out there decide to send me an email to berate me on my parenting skills in what I can only call a half-hearted attempt at the English language, please hear me out.
I have discussed with my son what the Thanksgiving holiday is all about. He's learned about it in school as well. However, he still insists that it's Christmas. Here's why:
Before Halloween even got here, we were confronted at the glorious Super Walmart with rows upon rows of Christmas decorations.
The day after Halloween, the Christmas decoration situation became worse and spread to Family Dollar and Publix. I know, because I went to both businesses in search of some Thanksgiving stuff (you know, Thanksgiving? The holiday that comes a month before Christmas?)
I begin my Thanksgiving page about 3 weeks before the holiday. I can't find any good Thanksgiving material anywhere.
Yesterday, I went to Publix to finish up my Thanksgiving grocery shopping. I crawl into my van, looking forward to some all 80's weekend music on 98.9. I crank the van up, the radio came on, but there was no all 80's weekend music. Instead, they were playing "Frosty the Snowman". Huh??? Does this confuse anyone else? "Okay", I thought, "It's just a teaser. My 80's music will come back on after this song". Frosty was immediately followed by "Feliz Navidad". Not good.
So, in closing, let's try to celebrate all the holidays this year, folks. I mean, I do have my Christmas page done, but I also have an unsquashable determination to refuse to post it until after Thanksgiving.
11/24/03