So get this. According to communications and data provider, CenturyLink, Michigan ranks among the top five least spirited states in the U.S. when it comes to Christmas.
Yeah, whatever.
My first instinct to debunking this garbage study was to figure out what criteria they used to come up with such an inaccurate ranking system. Turns out, that wasn't the problem.
CenturyLink's website shows they drew up their rankings based mostly off of online activity -- including Google searches for Christmas related topics, how much Christmas music people stream in each state and how much they tweet about Christmas. It also takes into account the number of Christmas tree farms per capita and how much people give to charity.
Well, based on these things, Michigan is an obvious top 10 contender. Some of our favorite radio stations started playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. So obviously, the demand for Christmas music is there and we can conclude that people are, in fact, streaming it here too.
And as far as Christmas tree farms go, apparently CenturyLink missed our story about Michigan Christmas tree farmers expecting a great 2018. In case you missed it too, Michigan ranks third for the number of trees it harvests and exports. In other words, we've got so many great Christmas trees that other states turn to Michigan when their natural resources prove to be less than festive.
As far as charity goes, you can find it here in West Michigan. Grand Rapids is a city built almost entirely by people are willing to spend their own money for the benefit of others. Think of all the buildings hear that bear the name of a donor. Someone here is always willing to lend a hand whether they're incredibly wealthy or down to their last dime.
Need more proof that Michigan gets in the Christmas spirit? Well, when I made Grand Rapids my home five years ago, I asked my neighbors what I needed to know about this market. "There's a church and a brewery on every corner," was the joke I most often heard. So from what I gather, Michiganders know how to worship and we know how to celebrate! What screams Christmas more than a combination of worship and celebration?
And another thing - Michiganders are tough when it comes to Christmas. Some states shut down their freeways for an inch of snow. But when it comes to getting to Grandma's house to celebrate the holidays, we load up the family roadster when there is three feet of snow on the ground and we drive with one hand on the wheel while we sip hot chocolate with the other!
But after all this ranting and raving I've just done, I'm forgetting one of the biggest things we're supposed to keep in mind during the holiday season, and that is forgiveness. No one's perfect, and we shouldn't expect each other to be. So with that said, I forgive you, CenturyLink. I forgive you for your bogus list. But maybe take a trip to Michigan next year and we'll show you how spirited we are.
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Matt Gard is the Senior Producer of 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings. If you have a story idea, you can contact him on Twitter, @mgard_wzzm13 or by e-mail, MattGard@wzzm13.com.