Many think Christmas decorating and festivities should start after Thanksgiving. Though some criticize, we believe it is almost never too early to decorate.
According to the Martha Stewart website, “Thanksgiving has yet to pass, and still the first signs of the holidays—wreaths, ornaments, lights, and trees—say it all: We’re well on our way to the countdown to Christmas.” In Miami, festive lights and decorations already line the streets. Christmas music fills our ears, and holiday ads pop up on the TV. The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
We think decorating on the earlier side is the best approach. And we’re not the only ones. One junior high student says that she listens to Christmas music as soon as Nov. 1. We understand Christmas is an exciting time, so we recognize why people get festive early. It’s a season filled with joy, happiness, and loved ones, and the early festivity can make you feel that joy sooner and longer. This is extremely important for teens and tweens, especially those in high school, who may be going through the stress of midterms and need some motivation.
Seventh-grade religion teacher Ms. Maya is another person who likes to decorate for Christmas earlier than most. For her, “it is a reminder of Jesus’ first coming and his birth.” She isn’t so strict on a decorating date; rather, she likes to be reminded of the real reason for the season. “I actually keep nativity scenes in my house all year long, not just during Christmas season,” said Ms. Maya.
Even though we love it, it hasn’t always been as popular to decorate so soon. “People are getting excited [for Christmas] earlier and earlier, and we shouldn’t hold back anyone’s excitement for the holiday time,” said Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson.
Though many like to decorate on the earlier side, a poll of Carrollton junior high students suggests that over 52% prefer to decorate after Thanksgiving. Valentina Mayer ‘30 said, “I usually don’t end up getting the Christmas decorations out of storage before Thanksgiving… I just don’t have time.” She noted that volleyball season keeps her busy.
Because of this, we love to transition into Christmas smoothly, by slowly implementing small seasonal decorations little by little. Caro Miyares ‘31 takes this approach. She mentioned that she and her family partly decorate right after Halloween and finish when her brothers arrive. “I do my Christmas tree when my brothers come home from college,” she said.
We know Christmas decorating is not something that happens overnight, and one way to do it is to ease into it by implementing neutral decorations for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some ideas are white pumpkins (for Thanksgiving and Halloween), or wreath decorations, depending on the season.
“I first decorate my tree before Thanksgiving, but there are no Santas in my house. There is nothing red yet,” said Ms. Maya. She explained that until after Thanksgiving, she keeps some fall decorations scattered around her house.
Though decorations are great, spending quality time with the ones you love is the best way to enjoy the season. The song that has us all singing in the shower each December night says it best: “Hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near!”
Miyares noted that decorating is an important time for her and her family. “None of us are allowed to be on our phones during that [time].”
So, if you can, don’t be scared to start your decorating and festivities now. It ensures the Christmas spirit is around for more than just a month. To us, Christmas is a whole season, so pop on your favorite holiday socks, blast those Christmas carols, and don’t be afraid to dive right into that holly jolly Christmas spirit.
