I am the biggest Christmas nerd you will ever meet. I start playing Christmas music the morning after Thanksgiving, I refuse to watch any non-Christmas themed movies, and I will always believe in Santa Claus, I don’t care what anyone says. I honestly could care less about getting presents; it’s the spirit of Christmas that keeps me smiling all through December.

The Christmas season might also be the only time where I can actually tolerate children. When I see their messy, little faces light up at the sight of Santa or during the tree lighting, I feel warm inside. I’m also a pretty big supporter of the whole Toys for Tots movement; I believe every child should have the chance to believe in Christmas. For anyone who knows me, admitting I possess some form of admiration for children is a pretty big deal. I can’t help it: Christmas just drugs me with love.

However this year, between the stress of finals and the anxiety of everything I need to get done in the couple days I have before Christmas Eve, I’ve found a few flaws with Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a Christmas freak, I even wake up early every day just to go to Starbucks before class. The decorations and red cups always start my day of right. But this year, I found myself getting annoyed at things a little more than usual.

Sad Christmas music: I get that Christmas may not be a happy time for everyone, but you don’t have to sing about it. Nothing gets me more depressed during the holiday season then when a sad Christmas song comes on the radio. Elvis Presley may have been the King, but I don’t want to hear about his ‘Blue Christmas.’ And Taylor Swift’s ‘Christmas when you were mine,’ usually makes me want to cry.

‘Please take down the mistletoe, cause I don’t want to think about that right now.’ Really, Taylor? I understand that you’re this heartbroken little country girl, but you should really keep your negative feelings focused on the jerks you usually sing about. Christmas hasn’t done anything to you, so leave it alone.

Blue Christmas lights: I completely understand if you’re Jewish and have blue lights, but if you’re not, then you really have no excuse. My hometown doesn’t have a Jewish population, yet certain neighborhoods seem to have them hanging up everywhere. Why? Honestly, I don’t understand. It’s not like a strand of blue lights are any cheaper than white or colored ones. They’re an eye sore and make me feel like I should be celebrating the Fourth of July.

Children: Yes, I know I said I usually like them this time of year, but it’s difficult for me to completely love them. And nothing ruins a holiday shopping trip like a 7-year-old brat screaming her lungs out cause her mom won’t buy her the new Barbie. Write a letter to Santa, little girl, and then wait till Christmas Eve just like everyone else. Haven’t your parents taught you the importance of Santa’s Naughty-and-Nice list? When I was little all my mom had to say was, ‘Santa’s watching, you don’t want to get coal for Christmas do you?’ and I’d turn into the most obedient little angel. Kids today clearly don’t have the same values.

Flavored candy canes: This is a perfect example of companies taking a holiday as special as Christmas, and marketing it for their own greedy needs. The classic white-and-red striped peppermint flavored candy is a Christmas staple. No one was sucking on pink, yellow and red apple berry bubblegum flavored candy canes during the birth of Jesus.

Weather: Syracuse, you are known for having terrible, snowy winters, yet we’ve only gotten a couple inches so far. The lack of snow this holiday season has put a damper on my Christmas cheer. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, and you have failed me, Syracuse.

So now that I’ve ranted all my dislikes, I’m going to get myself a glass of eggnog, and play NSYNC’s ‘Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,’ and fall back in love with Christmas. It’s my favorite time of year, and the Christmas spirit will always be in my heart. Just don’t buy me flavored candy canes. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Lauren Tousignant is sophomore communications and rhetorical studies major. She is the opinion editor at The Daily Orange where her columns appear occasionally. She can be reached at letousig@syr.edu .

Published on December 13, 2009 at 12:00 pm