Mariah Carey.

There, we’ve effectively set the stage for this post. We are, of course, talking about Christmas.

Every kid in America looks forward to December 25th, that exciting morning filled with hot chocolate, Christmas presents, and cheesy Christmas music only acceptable in the month of December (see: “Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte).

The holiday season is all about anticipation. We write letters to Santa. If we’re a bit older, we send our Amazon wish lists to our families. We bake all sorts of goodies and eat them on the way to Target to get the latest greatest thing for our kiddos. We buy ugly sweaters and yell “I don’t KNOW Margot” to everyone who asks us a question about anything.

What better way to start the joy and anticipation of the season than putting up that Christmas tree in the early weeks of November?!

I can hear it already… “BUT WE HAVEN’T EVEN EATEN TURKEY YET!” Look, I get it. Tom Turkey deserves his day in the sun. But, does anyone really get excited about Thanksgiving decorations? Sure, we love that stuffing (okay, okay, “dressing”), and pumpkin pie is among the most glorious treats on planet Earth. But the western world’s holiday decorating budget is dominated by garland, bright twinkling lights, and rustic, wooden Christmas tree farm signs likely designed by Joanna Gains and featured in Taylor Swift songs.

Every November and December morning I walk into the living room, turn on the Christmas tree lights, and smile as my 25 year old Apollo rocket ornament counts down to launch (honestly, I have no idea how that thing still works after multiple cross-country moves!). Sometimes I press the little button on the bottom of the Galileo shuttle craft to receive a holiday wish from Spock himself.

How can I not smile when I turn on that tree?! Look, we’ve earned some extra happiness after the last few years. So bring yourself a little joy, and put up those Christmas decorations early this year!

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Do you have a favorite Christmas tree ornament? Let’s chat in the comments!