Erin Cochran/Winonan

It’s that time of the year again. Halloween has passed and Christmas is right around the corner. Don’t forget about Thanksgiving! Every year we forget about it and most of us are to blame.

I admit I am one of these over-lookers as well. It all started at the young age of five. My parents tucked me into bed with my favorite stuffed animals and all was well with the world. I would just be about to fall asleep and then that horrible music would start.

My dad, an avid science-fiction fan, enjoyed Mulder and Skully and their paranormal shenanigans. Those aliens were ruthless and even messed with me. Not even the thickest Barney comforter could save me from that terrifying theme song. I quickly imagined my beloved stuffed animals turning on me, beaming me up into their spaceship! My imagination has always gotten the best of me.

Even to this day, my brother and I shutter at the thought of that song. I still have never seen a single episode and I refuse to subject myself to what brought me so much fear!  Side note: my mother will never watch another episode either because my dad accidentally taped over my christening with an episode. Oh the joys of VCRs.

Once my parents learned of the terror I was going through with their love of those paranormal detectives, they let me watch Christmas movies when I got scared.

Ever since then, I have always been obsessed with Christmas. What’s not to love? It’s not just a love either; I would definitely classify it as an obsession.

Everything about Christmas is magical; the decorated tree, the glowing star a top, the glistening snow, the amazing decorations and all the other great things that come along with the date. Before I start going on any more of my “Christmas is the best holiday ever” rant I’ll reel you back in. Scary things and I don’t mix. Christmas and I are practically lovers.

Halloween is a holiday to celebrate fears, scare people when they least expect it and glorify the daunting pasts of serial killers. Sure, I don’t mind the movie “Silence of the Lambs” because Buffalo Bill is funny to me, especially his voice. But I digress; any other scary movie is definitely off the market.  So every Halloween when I knew I would be inevitably traumatized by the terrifying specials on television, I would retire to my bedroom after trick-or-treating, devour my candy and watch Christmas movies. This tradition has lasted me to this day and I am not ashamed to admit that.

To bring back the point of this whole story, Thanksgiving is often over-looked because of everyone’s excitement for Christmas. We all get so excited for the Santa’s appearance that we start decorating, watching Christmas specials and start listening to those joyful Christmas songs (Mariah Carey, anyone?), making us forget about those Pilgrims and Indians until the actual day is here. Thanksgiving sneaks up on me every year and every year I make a promise to not neglect it any longer.

Poor Thanksgiving, even wee into its hours of passing, shoppers are already sitting in lines outside waiting for Black Friday’s deals. People even leave the second after they’re done eating to go sit and wait forever for the cheapest television they can purchase all year.

So this is my pledge, I will not partake in Christmas related activities, including Christmas shopping, until the Monday after Thanksgiving has passed. Black Friday is stressful and Thanksgiving deserves all the recognition. I pledge to honor that.

Here’s to you, Thanksgiving! May you relish in your glory and pass the reigns to Santa so he fill people’s hearts with joy just as you do with your glorification of turkey and stuffing. Give thanks!

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