This year I went to the mall on Halloween morning. They were putting up the Christmas displays. I was dismayed. I am someone who enjoys Halloween and Thanksgiving, before I want to see Christmas decorations. This is not the way it works elsewhere in America, however, and I have found that my clients are similar. As soon as the Halloween songs are done, they are requesting “Jingle Bells”. With a little persuasion, I can get them to enjoy some Thanksgiving songs first. Now that Christmas time really is here, it’s amazing how the “magic” of the season seems to light everyone up.
Many of my clients who are lower functioning begin to meet goals, make eye contact, and smile more frequently with Christmas songs. Even songwriting interventions and less-familiar tunes are welcome. It’s made me see that most people in this country really DO seem to be happier at Christmas. And since everyone seems to need a boost during cold weather, it makes sense that everyone would want to begin the holiday season as soon as possible. Maybe I can be more accepting of the early decorating next year. (Now if the Christmas decorations ever go up before Halloween, I may have to change my perspective…)
