People I'd like to Thank...

It's New Years...Again.

You might want to brush up on your New Year's greeting 101. This is very important for all of us to practice safe greeting manners.

And on to the person I would like to thank. I was in a store recently-ok I'll give it a more dramatic feel.

It was a cool crisp December day, 10:30 in the morning. The date was the 29th. This is only relevant based on the target of my gratitude. I paced back-and-forth in front of the drink cooler containing juices, 42,000 versions of coke, energy drinks promising potent power and the random door attachment housing a candy bar that you've always enjoyed but the slogan boasts a new experience when the chocolate yummy thing is cold. Genius; but you can't really believe we the consumers would be fooled by that one...I grabbed a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup-it really is good cold.

But as I approached the register, feeling manipulated but anticipating my cold chocolate, I noticed a pink and red hue overtaking the store. Yes Valentine's Day goodies and decor for all to see-and purchase...Which is the reason for it anyway. As my cold chocolate warmed in my hand I thought to myself, "This is ridiculous. Who decides the start date for stocking the next holiday's items?" And I knew this was a person I'd "like to thank".

Seriously, December 29th!?? I still have sugar plums dancing in my head. Not to mention the fireworks in my truck stashed away for attempts to feel young again by igniting who-knows-what made who-knows-where. Is it really necessary to erase all visible signs of the wonderful holiday that was so hyped by the stores for the past 8 months? Do they not realize we need transitional time? DECEMBER 29th...COME ON PEOPLE!

I don't know what we can do about this, but I for one feel hurt, almost deceived. I mean what next? In the middle of singing a Christmas song the 2nd verse hints at valentines. "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know. Where the candy hearts glisten and children listen. To hear if any valentine cards dropped into their paper bag on their school desk hoping to get more than the token teacher card." Wow I went crazy there at the end. But come on. Will the Easter bunny hide 4th of July fireworks in the eggs? Are kids going to be encouraged to dress up during Halloween as their favorite Thanksgiving food?

Furthermore-I don't have a further more I just thought I would include that word.

Thank you Date-prior-to-holiday-fill-the-shelves-decider-guy.

I would love to wish you and yours a very merry New-Year-Easter-Break-Arbor-4th-Memorial-Labor-ween!