When 'tis the season?

I'm thinking about rethinking my thinking on Christmas (hereafter referred to as Xmas). I used to be a staunch observer of the "no carols until after thanksgiving" rule.  This rule states that no one may wear festive clothing, buy a Xmas tree, sing (or listen to) Xmas music, or put peppermint in their hot cocoa until after turkey day. In fact, I didn't even like people calling it cocoa. I preferred "hot chocolate" until after thanksgiving. But, as I said.... I'm rethinking.

I love Christmas. I love everything about it. I love the weather. I love the music. I love the clothes. I love the tree. I love the lights. I love the carriage rides. I love the shopping. I love the stories. I love Xmas eve church services. I love that everyone says "Merry Christmas" to people as they walk down the street. I love leaving cookies out for Santa. I love Xmas lists. I love big meals. I love pageants. I love it all. And so why not love it as much as you can.

But when to start?

It was Sbux redcup day two days ago. For those of you living under a rock, this means that during the Xmas season, Starbucks brings out their festive, dark red cups to make hot drinks in. Usually with a cute little saying on the side like "'tis the season" or "upon a star" or something trite like that.  And if we can agree that the majority of the west coast (if not the western world) lives and breathes Starbucks, then it only seems natural to start celebrating when the rest of the world does (knowingly or unknowingly).

So, I want more Christmas. But I can't start it in July (Sunny Kobe Cook). So I'll start it when you all start it. You may not know it, but as of 2 days ago, we were in the holiday season. Whether you like it or not. Unless you only go to Ladro.