Holiday Controversy

This year there seems to be quite a controversy surrounding the holidays. It all started when Starbucks brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte at the end of August. Here in Phoenix, where at the time the temperatures were still hovering around 104-108, it was hardly the cozy sweater weather we usually associate with a “PSL”. But of course, the weather and date on the calendar would not deter people from their favorite seasonal beverage.
​
The “early” availability of the PSL seems to have set off a domino effect for all this year’s holidays. Christmas music began playing on radio stations the day after Halloween (much to some people’s delight and for others, well, not so much). Facebook friends have already started posting pictures of their Christmas trees. My neighbors are starting to put lights on their houses.

Some Americans have said they feel like we are skipping Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving is “late” this year, falling on the 28th, so does that mean we have less time? Maybe getting started now isn’t such a bad idea.  

We have these preconceived notions in our head, who knows how they got there or why we feel so passionately about defending them, about the “right” and the “wrong” time to begin celebrating. It’s kind of silly when you think about it, in such simple terms.

The one thing that stands out to me is the joy people find in the holidays. Whether it is a favorite drink, beloved decoration, special song or family recipe, these things make people really, really happy. And if it makes you joy-FULL then why does it matter what day of the year you do it?

Over the years I have challenged my readers to look for the word “joy”, take a picture and post it on social media as a reminder to find joy during your busy day. This year let’s expand the challenge and take a picture of anything that brings you joy throughout your day. Post your picture with the hashtag #joychallenge2019 and tag me so we can spread joy on social media.
 
Joy-FULLy yours, 
Kacey

Don’t miss a post – sign up to receive the blog in your inbox every week.  Scroll to the top of the page and you’ll see a box to enter your email in the upper right side of the page.

Photo by Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash