By Tanvi Chaudhary
The season of Halloween has just ended. The ghosts are vanishing back to their realms, and the witches have stashed away their brooms. Thanksgiving is coming soon, so it’s time to ignore the harvest’s final gleanings and begin the Christmas preparations.
On the day of November 1st, many people begin their celebration of Christmas by hanging up lights, writing their wish lists, shopping, and decorating. Only 24 hours after Halloween and it’s suddenly time to celebrate a holiday that’s over fifty-five days away!
This epidemic has taken over the nation, with malls adorned with giant ornaments (namely Cool Springs Galleria), and the radio playing festive tunes. But is it too soon? Is it fair to skip over Thanksgiving?
According to tradition, Christmas trees and decorations should go up on the first day of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, that falls on Sunday, December 3rd.
However, new research conducted by John Lewis found that 28% of customers started browsing and purchasing their Christmas gifts as early as August, while 30% already completed their festive purchasing by the end of October last year. We can see it all around us. Downtown Franklin has decked their halls with bells since November, while even at BGA, we see classrooms with tinsel and snowflakes and the Glen Echo building with a wreath adorning the entrance. But that’s nothing. Hobby Lobby has had Christmas decor since July.
These stores don’t put out their wares for the joy of the holiday season, however. According to Nikki Baird, vice president of strategy at retail technology company Aptos, stores decorate early because, “…they have sold through all their summer inventory, and they need to put something out on the floor,” and “they have Christmas inventory they packed up and held from last year, so this is the inventory they have to put out.”
As tempting as the aroma of gingerbread and allure of tinsel may be, why fall prey to the commercialization?
My philosophy has always been this: we mustn’t ignore Thanksgiving or Halloween, and we should start celebrating Christmas after both are complete. My family has always set up the tree and decorated it with cherished ornaments the Friday after Thanksgiving. The next day, Saturday, we venture outside and hang up festive lights around the house the next day. To me, putting up our decorations too early means ignoring Thanksgiving and its feelings of warmth and gratitude. Historically, Black Friday kicks off the frenzy of the holiday shopping season. If the holiday shopping season begins the day after Thanksgiving, how can we start celebrating before?
Another factor I take into consideration is the weather. The weather is just not right until December. If we are singing “Oh the weather outside is frightful” or “Baby it’s cold outside” until late November, it’s often too warm and sunny. For example, this year, during the week of November 5th, almost every day reached the high 70’s or low 80’s. How can you imagine the snowy Christmas Elvis Presley wants us to have if the heat is so stifling? Until the air is so crisp that you can’t feel your fingers when you step outside, celebrating doesn’t actually feel proper.
But I digress. In 2017, the British website Unilad reported that people who decorate earlier are simply tapping into the excitement of the holidays before the rest of us — which makes them happier. Psychologists have confirmed that it’s true: Decorating can definitely lift your mood. “It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” psychologist Deborah Serani says. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out … signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not.”
While the weather may be uncooperative, we are encouraged to feel the simple joy of the holiday season we experienced as a kid. The twinkling lights, the smell of evergreen, and the anticipation of festivities can create a magical atmosphere that transcends weather concerns. The frenzy of holiday shopping can be overwhelming, but it’s counteracted with moments of joy, laughter, and the joy of giving. Similarly, the stress of approaching midterms and projects can be daunting, but it is eased with the comfort and warmth of holiday traditions. No harm comes from embracing the spirit of the season amid the challenges.
While the studies may say otherwise, for me, the magic of the holidays lies in the balance. As long as I can remember, I have my “Christmas post-Thanksgiving” tradition. But others may prefer an earlier or possibly even more delayed start. The beauty of the holiday season is that everyone has their own way of celebrating. Ultimately, it’s important to preserve the essence of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween, so embrace the holiday joy in a way that resonates with you. A holiday is just another excuse to spread joy and kindness. So use that excuse, and celebrate in a way that brings you happiness. Who am I to dictate your festive timeline? Let’s Merry Christmas in our own special way!
CITATIONS:
https://www.today.com/health/decorating-christmas-early-makes-you-happier-science-says-t119186
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a38249684/put-up-christmas-decorations/
https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/business/christmas-products-early-in-stores/index.html
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