Every year, it almost feels like the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier! As soon as we take the last bite out of our Halloween candy… bam!… the stores are decked out in jingle bells, tinsels, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing on every radio station, and houses already have their Christmas lights up.
Are you on team “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on November 1, or team shake your head upon seeing anyone who dares to hang a wreath before Thanksgiving leftovers are gone? Let’s break it down with a little bit of holiday spirit!
Team “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
The hot chocolate comes out and Hallmark movies take over. Why wait, they argue…Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! We all need some extra joy and jolliness in our lives, besides, who doesn’t like the sight of a lit up Christmas tree on a cold night!
These people believe Christmas isn’t JUST A DAY. They believe it’s LIFE, it’s a VIBE. And they’re not wrong–studies have even suggested that decorating for the holidays early can make you happier. So, if hanging the mistletoe up on November 1st gives you life, who’s to stop you?
Team “Wait for your turn Christmas”
Then…there are the holiday purists. For these people, starting to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving is like a crime, a jail worthy sin. These are the people who will fight you over the turkey’s right to have its own moment right in the spotlight. Let’s finish our pumpkin pie first before the candy canes come out, they might say. And honestly, they do have a point.
Maybe pacing yourself keeps the magic of Christmas alive for longer. Is it not more exciting when you’ve waited until at least December to start blasting “Jingle Bell Rock” on repeat?
Who’s the real villain here?
But, let’s be honest.. this whole debate might not even be OUR fault. Blame the stores, who roll out the Christmas displays even before Halloween stores are empty. It’s so hard to feel festive when you’re being bombarded and attacked left and right with sales screaming, “ Buy one, get one 50% off” before you’ve even bought a turkey.
What’s the right answer then?
So, when is it too soon to celebrate Christmas? The truth is, at least to me, it’s all about balance. You want to start drinking peppermint mochas drinks in early November? Go for it! Just don’t pull up to your friendsgiving party with an ugly sweater on!
At the end of the day, Christmas is about joy, peace, the birth of Jesus, and so much more, with maybe just a little arguing over the right time to start celebrating. Whenever you decide to join the festivities of the holidays, just remember, the best way to spread the Christmas cheer is to let others celebrate (or wait!) however they want.
Photo credit: The Daily Evergreen
