As the leaves start to fall and the Halloween decorations get put away it is not uncommon to see Christmas decorations in stores, street corners, and even some homes. For many, the Christmas season officially begins in late November after Thanksgiving or early December. However, a question remains: Should Christmas start in November? Is it too early to get into the holiday spirit before December arrives?
In recent years the “Christmas season” has been starting earlier and earlier in the year. The commercialization of Christmas has been stretching further each year with stores and influencers using Christmas music and decorations in the early days of November. Some stores and shopping malls now launch their Christmas decorations, gifts, and toys before Halloween is over attempting to entice early shoppers and create a festive atmosphere long before the actual holiday. For many, starting the holiday celebration in November gets them into the joyful and fun Christmas spirit and away from the stresses of the fall. Daylight savings and the dreariness of fall can leave you feeling down and uneventful, so starting the Christmas season early brings joy and anticipation. The talk of Christmas can also get people to extend and bring joy to a dark and dreary part of the year.
On the other hand, the rush of the Christmas celebration can raise a few concerns. One of the biggest issues is that the holiday is beginning to feel less like a cherished hold and more like a marketing campaign. Christmas is traditional and a time to be with your family and friends, give gratitude and reference, and things that seem to get lost in the idea of the perfect Pinterest Christmas or the rise of a store’s profit that comes with an early start. Retailers may benefit from longer sales periods but for many the early start can dim the magic and significance of the holiday. Additionally starting Christmas celebrations in November can increase feelings of stress and pressure. People may feel obligated to decorate their homes, start shopping, and plan events before they are ready. This early stress and rush can take the joy out of the season and holiday turning it into another taste to check off rather than something you want to do. With such an early start some may also get bored or tired of the Christmas season, music, and movies before the holiday even starts.
So, should Christmas start in November? Not only does it depend on personal preferences, but what the Christmas season truly entails. If the holiday is viewed just as a way for sales, gift-giving, and shopping, then an early start would make sense. The longer time frame allows stores and businesses to make a bigger profit and gives customers more time to shop. But if we see Christmas as the traditional and cultural and relays holiday focused on religion, family, love, and joy, then starting the season early might undermine the significance of the holiday. The Christmas season is meant to be a time of family and connection, not just commercialism. Starting in November could distract from that deeper meaning.
Ultimately, whether Christmas should start in November is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the extended season and the festive atmosphere, while others feel that the early celebrations cheapen the holiday experience. Instead of rushing into Christmas the moment Halloween ends, a more thoughtful approach could be to embrace Advent—the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day—as a time of anticipation and preparation. This gives people the space to enjoy the buildup without feeling overwhelmed by the commercial pressure to start the season too early.
