Before you can even make a dent in your Halloween candy, Mariah Carey’s “IT’S TIMEEEE” has stolen the show, making it official: the Christmas season has begun.
As soon as midnight hits on Nov. 1, Starbucks and Dunkin’ announce their holiday menus, Target decks each store out in red and green, and every major clothing brand starts promoting their Christmas pajamas.
Many approve of this dramatic shift, claiming that the sooner the spirit starts, the more magical it is.
“The day after Halloween, we put up our decorations. It’s a slow burn, but it really puts us in the Christmas spirit,” said Senior Phoebe Koch.
Some appreciate a blend, claiming that both Thanksgiving and Christmas can be celebrated in unison.
“Christmas celebrations can start on Nov. 1. It’s the time when you can start listening to Christmas music, but you can still appreciate the fall,” explained Senior Sanhita Panse.
However, some mute the music, making a stand that Christmas starts when Thanksgiving is over.
“I like to include the tradition of decorating for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. That’s the order it’s always been in, and I think it should stay in that order,” stated teacher Alison Cuppia.
So, when should we celebrate Christmas?
I believe that Christmas and Thanksgiving go hand in hand. At their cores, both holidays celebrate togetherness, joy, community and giving. They’re perfect to celebrate in unison, and we can embrace it as “the holiday season.”
Truthfully, I think starting Christmas early puts the world in a better mood, setting everyone’s attitudes to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas alike properly.
As the weather gets colder, looking forward to blasting Justin Bieber’s holiday album or coming home to a beautifully lit tree in your living room can provide the same happiness people feel when the sunshine is out.
With this, we shouldn’t overlook Thanksgiving. It’s an essential holiday, and a perfect opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have over a warm, cozy meal. But, if I’m being honest, listening to Christmas music and putting up the decorations in early November doesn’t hurt.
Boiled down, here’s the truth: you, individually, can do whatever you want. If you don’t like Christmas to start until Dec. 1, it doesn’t have to! If you’re going to start listening to Christmas music non-stop starting Nov. 1, you can do that too! So, whether you’re setting up Thanksgiving table decor or hanging Christmas lights, know the holidays are yours to celebrate however you wish.
