When does it FEEL like the Holidays to you?

Christmas isn't Christmas until... ?

from JoeUser Forums

I was thinking about this as I got myself ready for work this a.m. and heard a few more Christmas/Holiday tunes on the radio...  it's starting to feel a lot like Christmas, at least to me.

It doesn't happen at Thanksgiving, or on Black Friday, or when the local radio station that goes 24x7 Christmas/Holiday music flips to that format away from their wishy-washy soft-rock tunes.

The feeling seems to come on slowly and picks up some steam as the "real" holiday approaches.  Things get hectic and there's always a last minute rush to get things done in preparation for family gatherings and such.  There's last minute shopping for gifts, and a rushed schedule to get from one side of the family to the other.  Somewhere in there though the feeling hits and I start feeling like the holiday is really here.

What trips the switch for you?

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4,512 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
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Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I really don't think there is any one thing. I think it's just little moments that hit me now and then that I think this is what Christmas is really supposed to be about. I like putting up the tree, driving around and seeing the lights, watching the holiday shows, wrapping presents, getting Christmas cards in the mail.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
When I was younger it felt like Christmas when we put up the tree.

Now that I'm older it doesn't feel like CHristmas till I'm at either the in-laws or my own mother's house. It sucks really. Because the Christmas season is about two days long.

It's a disappointment. Maybe when we have kids it'll be better and more magical or something...
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
The lit up houses.  I actually dont mind them being up for a month.  Christmas is too big to limit to a week!  After missing them for 12 years (Working for a retailer), I have decided to make Christmas a big deal every year!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I actually get excited about it before Thanksgiving. The anticipation of putting up the tree and the cooler weather help move me into Christmas. And of course teh tempting displays of lights and decorations in the stores.

This year it hit November 14th.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

You said it pretty well already   it seems to take on energy as it goes, building steam.

I can really feel the presence of Christmas though on Christmas Eve when it's midnight, and i"m listening to the choirs singing and saying mass.  I"m not Catholic,  however do enjoy listening to their services. 

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
When it's Dec 24th and I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Not until ive had my turkey stuffed. Although once ive had my turkey stuffed it better be the holidays 'cause im good for nothing thereafter.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
When I have all the Christmas lights up (which involves a lot of praying that I won't fall off the ladder-- I really hate heights) and the tree decorated, and I sit in my living room with all the normal lights off and just admire everything.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top

which involves a lot of praying that I won't fall off the ladder

Me too!  That is why my wife hangs the high ones.