Christmas Creep

Christmas Creep (learn more here)

What is it?

When retail stores start sneaking Christmas decor onto the shelves before the beginning of December. 

Why does it matter?

There is only so much festive cheer and eggnog a person can take (especially if there's rum involved). When the holidays roll around it means so many things to so many different people. Take me for instance, I am not remotely religious, If anything I am celebrating the pagan festival of Yule (winter solstice) and the Roman tradition of Saturnalia. 

For those that are unaware Yule is a Wiccan or Druid festival honoring the return of longer days. Evergreen boughs were sacred because they didn't die each winter like most other things. Thus they represented immortality. Then there is the burning of the yule log; it must never be bought it must be harvested by someone on their land and then gifted, or harvested on your land. The article I linked to includes a modernized approach to the yule log. 

For those who don't know Saturnalia is a three day Roman festival honoring the god of seed and sowing (read agriculture and farming) Saturn.  It was a time for frivolity and drinking, gambling and whoring about. 

I personally don't drink, or gamble, or pay for sex. I do however enjoy letting loose and taking a much needed break from academic study. 

Regardless the holiday season does seem to creep up on us sooner each year. For some people all the holiday means is a tense time hiding who they are from family, or constantly defending who they are. So, by all means say Merry Christmas, just don't be surprised if you don't hear it back.

How do you celebrate/observe in December?