The Great Divide: Christmas Vs. Thanksgiving
We’re not just here to help people think differently about fantasy sports, but life more broadly. It’s about taking the same open-minded approach we use to win in fantasy and using it to better navigate the world around us. That means sometimes wading into rocky waters, tackling issues far beyond the typical fantasy professional.
Someone needs to tackle these explosive issues because this country is becoming more divided by the day. If we want to make things better, we need to address some of the most difficult topics head-on.
In this third week of November, we are facing one of the most explosive touch points in all of American culture: when is it proper to begin decorating for Christmas?
I understand there are strong opinions on both sides. Many fine people are adamant that waiting until Thanksgiving is the only reasonable option. Others feel fully comfortable jumping in on Nov. 1… as we all know. Too often these two groups are made to represent the views of every American.
My fellow Americans, I am here to say we can think much bigger than this.
It does not need to be one or the other. This does not need to be a war. It’s about structuring the proper approach and balance that gives each holiday the respect it deserves.
Maybe you take a staggered approach, only bringing out a few Christmas decorations during November. A wreath, a couple nutcrackers. Red and green peanut M&Ms. You can even introduce some neutral fall decorations that give off Thanksgiving-y vibes to counterbalance your early Christmas decorations.
The goal, no matter what path we take, should be to hit Christmas day in full stride, like a heavyweight boxer preparing for a title bout, with plenty of holiday spirit left to spare. Then destroy all remaining energy by getting hammered on New Year’s Eve then pretending like you’re going to change the shitty habits that have made your life painfully mediocre.
Admittedly, my belief tends to be that Christmas is such a powerful tradition that it’s fine to find the accompanying joy as early as you want, however you want. Where it does get tricky, however, is with Christmas movies. You need to be careful not to start digging into those too early. Maybe start with something like Home Alone before getting into the heavy shit like Santa Claus and Elf.
Either way, you need to give Thanksgiving its due. Thanksgiving week is the best week of the year. Absolutely no one at work gives a fuck; everyone’s tired and hungry and not even pretending to mouse-jiggle. Even that annoying lady in HR that’s always asking you for paperwork and shit that you don’t even understand. Plus, football.
Christmas is undoubtedly the crown jewel, the main attraction. Yet Thanksgiving’s place in the holiday season can not be understated. We can love and appreciate both simultaneously.
We must evolve how we think about celebrating the holiday season, renew our imagination and what we think is possible, before we destroy ourselves. It starts with respecting one another, even our neighbors and their shitty blow-up decorations. I mean, some of these people take it way too far. I recognize, though, it’s their right to spend the little money they have on making their property look like shit. Except if you leave your lights up all year, that’s just disgusting.
For the rest of us, let us continue to push boundaries for the holiday season. We can create the world we want to inhabit. It won’t be easy, but there’s room for all of us.
