A cure for holiday overload

Let's move Thanksgiving to September.

I am becoming increasingly convinced that the narrow gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas is just too stressful. Granted, that's a personal observation, but I suspect the feeling is shared by some. Perhaps many.

Why we cram these two major holidays into such a compressed time frame is of our own making. By federal legislation, the Thanksgiving date was established. So, by that same federal legislation, could it not be moved?

As I battled the Thanksgiving interstate traffic this past weekend, it struck me that many of those same fellow travelers will soon be taking to the roadways once again. So we manage to pack the heaviest traffic in often miserable driving conditions in less than a month's time.

Travel and other Thanksgiving preparations can be somewhat costly. So we then turn around in four short weeks and face the cost of Christmas. Just doesn't make sense to me.

The traditional Thanksgiving story line deals with our forefathers sitting down with the native Indians and celebrating the completion of the harvest season. Well, in our neck of the woods -- despite this year's abundant rainfall -- most of the harvest is well over come the end of November. September seems more appropriate in terms of agricultural accuracy.

Some people -- not me, mind you -- find a dose of visiting relatives a handful. But given the one-two combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we often find ourselves hosting or visiting in this compressed time. If one were to define stress, this might be a good starting point.

There's also a practical side to this holiday switcheroo. In terms of charity for our fellow man, which two holidays most move us to consider the needs of others and to lend a helping hand? That's right. Thanksgiving and Christmas. By having these two back-to-back, we limit the charitable dollars available. If we had more time between the holidays, perhaps our generosity would be spread and allow for more help to others.

Granted, there will be absolutely no momentum to move the Thanksgiving holiday, and I understand that reluctance. But you have to admit there is a legitimate thought process for the move.

If by some weird quirk the Thanksgiving holiday could be moved, I think I'll tackle New Year's Day next. How does March sound?