When the Seasons Rush Us Past Thanksgiving

When the light fades early and the cold settles in, many people feel seasonal affective symptoms creeping up. Energy dips. Motivation slips. The warm glow of December feels tempting, so it’s easy to mentally skip Thanksgiving and jump straight into Christmas. I’ve wanted to do it myself. It feels like fast-forwarding to the part of the year that seems brighter, louder, and more joyful.

There are real pros to that instinct. Christmas brings lights, music, and ritual. For someone wrestling with low mood, those cues can lift the day. Planning for it early offers comfort and something steady to look toward. It’s a way of saying, “I need extra warmth right now.”

But there are downsides. Skipping Thanksgiving can make the season feel rushed. By jumping ahead, we miss a quieter holiday that builds the emotional base for the next one. Thanksgiving centers on grounding: gratitude, food, and connection. It slows us down before December speeds us up. Without that pause, Christmas can feel frantic and less meaningful.

The truth is, the holidays work best as a pair. Thanksgiving plants the seed of reflection, being grateful for our experiences. Christmas grows it into celebration. One steadies, the other brightens. When seasonal shifts make you want to leap straight to Christmas, it’s worth asking what your mind is really craving: relief, light, or simply a moment to breathe.

Holding space for both holidays gives you the balance you may need more than you realize.