Good tidings to all!

Thanksgiving Day is late enough in November to feel that the dawn of the holidays is upon us.

After we give thanks, watch some football, and become sated with yams, pecan pie, or whatever else may be on the menu, we can send our family and friends home with a hearty “Happy Holidays” echoing in their ears.

My sense of timing isn’t universal.

There have been holiday decorations and sale gift items on display in stores since Oct. 1.

In my opinion, those folks were, at least, two holidays early.

I happen to think that Halloween is a gas and deserves its own, no-compete time.

Columbus Day (whether one wants to celebrate or protest) and Nevada Day seem to be casually tossed into the mix.

Does the “Holiday Season” now also include the exit half of the semiannual festival whence we first switch into and then out of Daylight Savings Time?

You know, our celebration of the life and times of the early frontier explorer who cut off one end of his blanket and sewed it on the other to make it longer.

A true American genius.

The holidays are rife with good causes to celebrate and do not need an additional 60 days and several more holidays to enhance the fun.

In our usual span of about 40 days and 40 nights, Christmas, of course, is the main event in these parts and needs no further explanation by me.

We must not forget Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish celebration of lights and rededication; Kwanzaa, the African-American week-long recognition of family and culture; or Ramadan, the Muslim fasting period followed by the three day festival of Eld.

They have combined the Christian Lent and American Thanksgiving into one grand month.

Ramadan is a moving holiday and isn’t always during our end-of-year festivities, but the spirit fits.

Buddhists have Rohatsu (eighth day of the 12th month) enlightenment meditations.

I’m not done yet.

The English, Canadians, Australians, et al. have the secular Boxing Day celebration, generally December 26, in which all the employees and service providers throughout the land supinate their palms to receive a year’s worth of tips and bonuses.

Then, those left with any cash on hand merrily shop the stores for sales.

During all of this we still, somehow, find room for 12 days full of pear trees, gold rings, ladies dancing, and lords-a-leaping.

The whole sideshow builds to a crescendo on New Year’s Eve and exits the next day.

I don’t know how we do it.

But, whoa Nellie!

Let’s take a second look.

Perhaps I’m being too conservative, imposing limits on the span of the season.

Imagine for a moment that we meld all these sentiments into one big pot.

We’d have a citizenry that respects its heritage, renews faith, celebrates family, studies culture, and covets peace on Earth.

We’d take care of our worldly needs the next day and, if we take the cue from our merchants and run with it, we’d let the holiday season creep back earlier and earlier in the year until it met itself on the other end like our frontier explorer with his modified blanket.

Now, there would be peace, harmony, understanding, serious study, and dedication all over the place––all year long.

Not to mention the fasting which may be all too needed.

This is America.

We are a fascinating mix of colors and cultures.

We are all souls together in this multi-ring circus.

So, welcome the sentiment when an acquaintance wishes you good will this year.

Don’t think because someone waves and shouts “Happy Hanukkah!” that they are trying to convert you.

Don’t think that the salutation or card offering “Seasons Greetings” is being tendered by someone who is trying to water down the message.

Basically, they all are the same.

In their own sincere way, everyone with every greeting is sending you hope for health, happiness, and good fortune.

You get to choose how and to whom you extend holiday wishes.

If one happens to come my way, I’ll appreciate it in whatever form it presents itself.

It is the season to be jolly so––Happy Thanksgiving!