You know those sometimes annoying, over-the-top people who decorate for every season, bake festive desserts and finish Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving? I'm one of them.
I realized my obsession with the holidays when I began humming "Let It Snow" instead of cursing the weather of South Bend as it started snowing in mid-October. The snow has made me excited because not only is Christmas well on its way, but Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner.
I like to call these holidays "the big three." They truly encompass, to me, what holidays are all about: celebration, food and giving.
Halloween is a great start to the season. Not only does Halloween allow you to dress up as something you're not and spend the night in care-free celebration, but it also begins the spirit of giving. There is something magical about the smiles on the young trick-or-treaters' faces as they receive their treats or compliments on the costumes they'd worked on for so long.
Once all of the fake tombstones, spider webs and jack-o-lanterns have been put away and all the candy eaten, I start gearing up for Thanksgiving.
There is no better way for a student to prepare for finals than to eat a good Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes, Grandma's homemade noodles, apple pie, pumpkin pie ... need I say more?
Although I thoroughly enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving, Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. I even love the smell - to me it's a mix of pine, gingerbread, and cinnamon. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, carols are on my radio, cards are being sent out, decorations put up and presents wrapped.
I give special consideration to the wrapping of presents, which includes coordinating ribbons and matching multiple gifts. I spend all year making mental notes about what people like, what they need and what they might want.
There is no greater satisfaction than giving someone a gift that they love. No matter its cost, or how long it took to find that perfect present, the smile on a friend's face really makes me feel the warmth of the Christmas spirit.
Now that the snow is here, I can begin looking for festive recipes, the perfect Christmas cards, wrapping paper and, of course, the perfect gifts.
Until I find them though, I'll be sure to give out plenty Happy Halloweens, Happy Thanksgivings and Merry Christmases.