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Thanksgiving means different things to different people, of course. For some, it means spending quality time with friends and family. For others, the Thanksgiving turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and other goodies are the most important part of the holiday. And for still others, the most important part of Thanksgiving is actually the day after, when Christmas shopping and the countdown to Santa's arrival officially begin.

For me, Thanksgiving means a bit of all of these things. It also signifies the fact that December is just around the corner, which means that I can finally break out my holiday sweaters. Yes, I am one of those people who really catches the holiday spirit -- so much so that I actually own a bunch of themed sweaters to prove it. You know the kind I'm talking about: the ones with colorful reindeer, blinking Christmas trees, Santa Clause, elves, etc. plastered all over them. The ones that no one in their right mind would think of wearing in any month other than December.

It seems silly, but most people feel very strongly about holiday sweaters. On the one hand you have those that absolutely abhor the things. They wouldn't be caught dead wearing one themselves, and they like to roll their eyes at people who choose to do so. On the other, you've got people like me, who love to wear them even though they're fully aware of how over-the-top they look. Then I suppose there are those who don't care one way or the other, but (at least among my family and friends) they are clearly in the minority. I seem to always get some kind of comment on my holiday sweaters, either good or bad.

Contrary to popular belief, not all holiday sweaters are hideous and gaudy. Sure, if your sweater requires batteries in order for its lights, music, or sound effects to work, then you've probably crossed the line and left good taste far behind. However, I think there are some very nice-looking holiday sweaters out there, so don't be too quick to dismiss them all. For example, my favorite piece from my personal collection consists of Santa carefully placing a few wrapped presents under a Christmas tree. The design is small and is very tastefully done. Best of all, it nicely captures a scene from the season and instantly brightens my mood.

If you've never owned a holiday sweater, now might be a good year to try one. Like I said, you don't have to purchase an utterly ridiculous one in order to be more festive; there are plenty of nice ones out there (although "ridiculous" works for some people, so you never know!). You could discover that something as simple as a sweater really can influence your mood in a positive way, and your good spirits and cheer might even rub off on others. That's what happens to me when I'm around my family members in the month of December, and that's why I'll keep on wearing my holiday sweaters no matter what kinds of comments they elicit!