Every year, as soon as the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, Mariah Carey “defrosts” and many people all around the world believe that the Christmas season has begun. However, leading up to Halloween, many stores already have Christmas decor out. So, why has it become so normalized for Christmas decorations to come out before December even begins? Well, The Hiller staff is here to weigh the pros and cons of decorating early.
Copy and Opinion Editor Lita Feriozzi comments, “I feel like November 1 is really just way too early to put up decorations; we need to respect fall just a little bit. My family puts up our Christmas decorations the weekend before Thanksgiving. We visit family out of state for Thanksgiving, so we like to come home to ‘Christmas.’”
While many people start celebrating Christmas as soon as Halloween is over, it’s important to appreciate the fall season and the traditions that come with it.
“I would say that the Holiday season starts whenever Christmas music comes on the radio; that’s when you know it’s really time to put up the Christmas tree,” Feriozzi adds.
Waiting until closer to Thanksgiving to put up decorations not only honors the significance of the holiday but also allows families to enjoy each season’s unique charms fully. Finding a balance—celebrating fall while still incorporating festive elements—can make for a more gradual transition into the holiday spirit.
Sophomore Staff Writer Gia Comfort states, “I don’t think there is such a thing as too many decorations. The Holiday season 100% starts on November 1. Decorating early always makes me way more excited for the holiday season. It could never drag it out, even though decorating for fall is fun and shouldn’t be skipped over, just do it a little earlier!”
Starting in November creates an exciting atmosphere that builds anticipation leading up to the holidays. While appreciating the beauty of fall decorations, there is no harm in incorporating holiday elements early on, mixing pumpkins with twinkling lights to create a cozy and cheerful environment.
Emphasize the importance of family traditions during this time; decorating together strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. The act of reminiscing about old ornaments and shared experiences adds a personal touch to the festivities, making it even more special.
“Christmas is the best time of the year and it deserves the buildup people give it. I think a good balance of Thanksgiving and Christmas is good for early November, but once you get to like the 30th, if you haven’t decorated at all for Christmas, you’re just weird,” adds Junior Staff Writer Georgia Poach.
Ultimately, the decision of when to begin decorating for the holidays comes down to personal preference and family traditions. For some, the joy of hanging ornaments and stringing lights as soon as November hits is a way to amplify the excitement of the season. For others, waiting until after Thanksgiving allows them to honor the fall festivities and truly appreciate the beauty and meaning of each holiday.
Regardless of when you choose to start, the essence of the holidays lies in the connections we make and the memories we create with those we love. Whether you’re Team Early Decorator or Team Wait-It-Out, one thing is clear: the joy of the holidays carries its own magic, no matter when you choose to embrace it.
No matter what, enjoy the Holidays, Hillers —whether you celebrate or not, it’s a time to be with family and friends.
