'Twas the night before Easter

There are two kinds of people in this world. There's the type that prefers to watch shows like LOST or 24 on DVD, so they can consume a whole season (or more) at a time, and there's the type that prefers to watch one episode per week, as they come. Some might argue that there's a third type, a group who watch little or no TV, but that is a concept that I can't really wrap my brain around.

This categorization relates mainly to TV dramas (I'm done writing about sitcoms for a while--at least a week or so--except for this joke I forgot to include in the last post: Simpsons, here's your "One Shinning Moment").

Obviously, most people can handle either method of necessary. One of my claims to fame is that I've been a fan of 24 since hour one of day one, and have never needed to "catch up." For LOST, however, I watched the first four seasons in about two months' time.

(TV on DVD sidenote: I'm planning to rewatch Twin Peaks soon, but I'm hoping to recruit some new fans to watch with. It only lasted two seasons, so it wouldn't be burdensome. If you like LOST, X-Files, or small town folks eating pastries while supernatural events take place all around them, you would probably like Twin Peaks. Let me know if you want in.)

But my preference definitely falls on the one-episode-at-a-time side. For one thing, staying current with a show is the best way to avoid spoilers. I also have a limited attention span when I'm staring at a TV or computer screen (warped by too many short sitcoms). I can't generally handle more than 45 minutes or so of the same thing.

But the main reason I like to watch week-to-week: anticipation. I love getting excited as the hour for the new episode grows closer and closer. I love discussing and speculating with fellow fans in those lead-up days, or even during commercials if I'm watching with someone. I love being left in suspense at the end of the show. Often the anticipation is more satisfying than the payoff.

This doesn't apply just to television, either. Christmas might be a better day, but Christmas Eve is far more exciting. New Year's Eve is an event that is all about anticipation. And ask any missionary about "P-Day Eve," and I'm sure their face will light up.

That's why I've long been a proponent of adding an Eve to every holiday. It practically doubles the number of holidays, which is a good thing. A great thing, actually. Why wait until July 4 to light fireworks, when you can get the party started on Independence Eve? Take your sweetheart out to dinner on Valentine's Eve, and you'll not only win points for being eager to show affection, but you'll avoid long restaurant wait times. And your neighbors will still have all the good candy left if you trick-or-treat on All Hallow's Eve Eve.

Speaking of candy...while every holiday can easily be turned into a two-day celebration, there are several special occasions where the good times extend into a third day. One of life's simplest and most divine pleasures is hitting up a grocery store the morning after Christmas, Valentine's, Easter or Halloween (we need a good summer candy holiday, don't we?) for discounted sweets. It's like having an extra stocking, or basket, or secret admirer, or taking a pillowcase from a smaller kid.

So on Monday I'll probably trek up to the Bronx to see if I can score some half-price Snickers Eggs from Target. I'm getting excited just thinking about it. Ah, sweet anticipation!