The second the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 1, the TikTok algorithm changes: out go the Halloween costumes and in come the Christmas list inspo videos.

The spooky sounds for lipsyncing in costume is quickly replaced with people singing Mariah Carey in Christmas themed pajamas. My “For You Page” is filled with people starting to celebrate this year’s holiday season quoting Mariah Carey, singing “it’s time!”

Respectfully, it is not time.

Each month has that one holiday–the holiday that defines the month.

January has New Years. February? Valentines Day. July’s got Fourth of July. October has Halloween, etc. Yet everyone starts associating November with Christmas when it isn’t even until the end of December.

What about Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving deserves its recognition and it’s time to be celebrated. Why are we rushing to get right into Christmas? It isn’t going anywhere. We will get to it. Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays in the country but gets overlooked due to its proximity to Christmas.

It isn’t even a lame holiday that people forget about until we get reminded by someone at school. It’s a holiday that has a rich history and tells an important and strong message that we should remember. And let’s face it, we get time off of school. So, let’s put some respect on Thanksgiving.

During the month of November, we should channel our inner Thanksgiving spirits. Spend the month feeling thankful. Tell the people you care about why you are grateful that they are in your life. Give back to the community. Learn about the culture and history of the holiday. Spend time with your family. Make memories by learning old Thanksgiving recipes with your grandparents. Watch the Macy’s Day Parade and the dog show while helping bake pies. 

Along with Thanksgiving, we get Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Those days would cease to exist without Thanksgiving. Most gifts purchased for Christmas are bought on these two days because it is more affordable with the deals. Therefore, children, teenagers, and all loved ones get more gifts from their list and the more expensive bigger wants as well. The holidays created by Thanksgiving makes Christmas more magical for some people. 

November 1st is not national putting up your tree day. By the time Christmas rolls around, your tree will be getting old and will be falling apart. When you think about December, your mind immediately goes to Christmas and when you think about November, Thanksgiving comes to mind. So why are we starting Christmas early? Contrary to popular belief, Christmas is not a season. 

This year you can make a change. Delay your holiday decorations and bask in the last month of fall. Keep the pumpkins out, and continue to wear the browns, oranges, and flannels. Leave the ornaments in a box in the attic or basement. Let your lights sit in a big tangle for just a little while longer.

If you decide to make this switch and celebrate within the appropriate timeframe for Christmas, by all means, do not leave your decorations up well into the new year. It is not a one or the other situation. Putting your tree up in December doesn’t allow for it to be up for extra time post Christmas.

Your house should be pink and red in February, not red and green, and let Valentine’s Day have its special time and leave Christmas in the past year.