People outside of the United States do not celebrate our Thanksgiving Day. I knew this. I was completely aware that the concept of a huge turkey dinner with all the trimmings on the fourth Thursday of November would not even be on the Europeans' radars. I was not prepared for the fact that Halloween acts as a catapult, sending us hurtling directly to Christmas Season. Do not pass Go, do not collect 200 euros. As I walk through the streets of Galway, I now notice elaborate Christmas displays complete with trees, tinsel, garland, lights, the works. My roommate informed me this evening that some people were in the process of putting lights up in the streets. The 2 euro store has replaced all of its Halloween merchandise with Christmas things (I'll be making a trip there in the very near future...tomorrow after class, most likely).
This is not to say that I really mind this extension of Christmas. It's more confusing than anything. Part of me-a very big part that is getting bigger by the day-wants to celebrate with the Galwegians and Turkey Day can take care of itself when the time comes. The other part of me, however, wants to hold off and wait until Thanksgiving before going all Winter Wonderland on the apartment. As much as I want to be blasting Nat King Cole right now, I feel like it would be selling out, as I always force myself to wait. I am content, for now at least, to enjoy Christmas out in town, even if the Americans in the buildings are struggling with this age-old conundrum.
P.S. Happy Birthday, Erin and Zack!
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