There are only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year; so if the season seems compressed and harried, it is. Retailers have fewer days to meet their sales goals; non-profits have fewer days to seek contributions; and the rest of us have fewer days to decorate, wrap, cook, and enjoy. The “enjoy” seems elusive.
The last time this happened, according to the ever-available Google®, was in 1939. It’s because some years November has five Thursdays instead of four; and since the holiday is always on the last Thursday of the month, the season’s length fluctuates.
I don’t like to start Christmas until Thanksgiving is over. Each holiday in its due time is my motto, which means I too am feeling the burn this year. Besides it’s been a difficult 2024 for almost everyone I know.
Earl and I plan to aim for a simpler holiday. We’ll decorate but not as much. We’ll listen to Christmas music, probably watch some traditional holiday programs, and enjoy our caloric-laden-but-so-delicious eggnog. We also have a special jigsaw puzzle honoring Advent to work on.
But there are no out-of-town guests this year, although we hope to Zoom with those who are dear to us. There will be less cooking and dining out. Fewer gift socks and ice cream certificates. Probably no monogrammed baseball jerseys either.
The state of the world is precarious at best. I can’t speak for anyone else, but to me it feels right to hit “Pause” during these 27 days, scale down our expectations, and reflect on how to greet the future.
Anne,
My father was born on Thanksgiving day November 30, 1911. Thanksgiving was on the last Thursday in November then. Not sure what year Roosevelt changed to the 4th Thursday to aid the merchants. My father never forgave Roosevelt for doing that.
Just a thought,
Kent