by Eve Stenson

A lot of people think the holiday preparations have become too materialistic, turning into one long commercial for thematic products, food and costumes. I, however, look forward to the chance to break up the rainy autumn days with seasonal purchases, creative decorations and the knowledge that it is time again to don a costume . . . a Santa costume, that is.

You didn’t think I was talking about Halloween did you? That would hardly be logical; Halloween’s less than a week away. I mean, I know I finished my Halloween preparations by Labor Day.

What about Thanksgiving, you ask? Well, as long as the turkey is frozen, there’s really no reason not to buy it a month or two in advance. As for can- I mean, cranberry sauce, it’s simply a matter of fishing the appropriate opening device out of the kitchen drawer. Besides, when it comes down to it, who has time to give thanks when gifts and garland are so fast approaching?

Yes indeed, it’s time again for jingle bells and stockings and there’s no doubt about it. I remember, when I was a child, I always used to anticipate Christmas too far in advance. Well, I am proud to say that I no longer have the jump on the Christmas marketing season. In fact, I was caught completely by surprise last week, when I caught my first glimpse of seasonal items on the shelves.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one, since I have already heard other people comment on the start of the Christmas season, as well. Strangely, though, my impression is that they are considerably less amenable to its arrival than I.

Thus, to avoid any more of these unpleasant tiffs, I propose this: abolish the whole notion of "seasons."

First, it would be much more convenient for consumers to be able to purchase seasonal gifts year-round. Under the current system, for example, it is quite difficult to find a Power Rangers costume in February. Similarly, Christmas lights are nearly impossible to locate in May. Should anyone need such things, acquiring them necessitates a harried search, while during the appropriate "season" it would have been a simple errand. The elimination of set times of year for the sale of specialty items will end such needless worry and agitation.

Next, think about all the clothing, lawn ornaments, musical ties and myriad knick-knacks that are used only once or twice a year. The owners are hard-pressed to get enough use out of those things to justify having them. Thus, extending every holiday "season" to be year-round would allow all citizens the chance to fully enjoy their interesting and unique possessions.

I admit, I do have a personal stake in this suggestion. The significant pleasure and inspiration I derive from the sight of the Christmas tree has more than once resulted in my extending its lifetime beyond the approved tenure. (A tendency toward procrastination had absolutely nothing to do with it lasting through February . . . ) However, I am certainly not the only one in such an unfortunate position.

Finally, the cause of convenience asks that we get rid of the rigid standard of "seasons." We must recognize that we live in a busy community and accept that not everyone has the same schedule. While one person may have the time to send out Christmas cards at the "appropriate" time, another may not get the chance until March. It is unfair to discriminate against those people whose timing does not accommodate the standards of the majority.

Thus, there can be no other choice but to abolish the system of "seasons" for holiday activity. Besides benefiting society as a whole, it will allow us all to wear jack-o-lantern socks in April without having to admit that we are running out of laundry. That alone merits making some allowances.

(published in The Ram, 26 October 2000)