Although it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go, there’s still nearly 50 days until the culmination of the yuletide cheer in the air. Daylight savings, signifying the beginning of the transition to winter, just occurred last weekend, yet, eerily cheerful looking gingerbread men began to sneak into the aisles of Target since mid-October.

This annual trait indicates a much larger global phenomenon: rushing the passage of time. Turkey may not be as fun decorations as snowmen, but it is especially important for us as high school students to pause or mad rush from one season to the next to more fully celebrate life.

Thinking about this dilemma, an analogy comes to mind: saving the best for last. Whether that’s an activity on a to do list, a song on a playlist, or a slice of chocolate cake at the end of a meal, the most wholehearted enjoyment of an activity seems to be found in anticipation. Giving in to your craving for Mariah Carey and cookies too soon causes the excitement to fizzle out too early. The songs on the radio grow tiresome and another cookie would be nauseating. If we wait until December to begin the celebration, the anticipation will last us until the 25th.

Whether you’re a Freshman or a Senior, each of us has very limited time left in the nest. Just last week, a friend mentioned that we’ve only got one Halloween left as kids. As exciting as that would have seemed many years ago when I used to steal my mother’s lipstick so I could look like an adult, the idea of adulthood is terrifying to think of now.

Perhaps this is an important reminder. So much of our precious time is spent rushing— quickly glancing through notes before a test, hurrying to class to avoid detention, finishing dinner early to get back to homework—all to ensure our future is set in stone.

It’s only human nature to focus on the next big thing. Nonetheless, enjoying the little things of the present is important. Otherwise, the memories of this important period of your life will only be of thinking about the future.

Thanksgiving lacks the flash of Christmas. It’s a humble holiday– but that’s the point. The designation of the month of November is to offer appreciation to life’s more subtle beauties: piles of leaves on the sidewalk, the thrill of winter weather, fuzzy socks and nights cuddled next to your siblings.

Often immediately after Christmas break, whispers of “Almost summer!” spread through the halls. The months of spring become a complete blur, lost in a race to beaches and the end of school. Valentines day, Saint Patties day, and Easter get about a week in the spotlight.

Every holiday, however small, should be seen as an opportunity to have some lighthearted fun with the people you love. After all, even the dictionary expresses that celebration and social activity go hand in hand.

Family time is a distinctive factor of Christmas that makes the holiday a favorite of millions, but there’s nothing stopping us from living as if it’s Christmas all year round. In fact, the occasion doesn’t even need to be a holiday as I aforementioned. Making memories with family and friends, and letting others know how much you care for them should be factors of daily life. Limiting these activities to one season does the opposite of what we’ve been taught by Jesus, the reason we celebrate this holiday.

In truth, I’ve been listening to a Christmas playlist for the duration of the time I’ve spent writing this article. One song popped up on the radio and wham, I can’t get enough. After all, no one is immune to the songs we’ve heard since we were little kids.

But, once I shut off my tablet, I won’t withdraw to the living room to decorate a tree just yet, but rather head into the kitchen to help my mom bake a pie. Perhaps this weekend I can make a leaf pile for my little sister to jump into, just like my brother and I used to do. Christmas can wait.