With Halloween and Thanksgiving behind us, the upcoming holiday season looms in the air. Christmas is one of the most well-known holidays in the world, causing a discourse on when, if ever, the celebration begins too soon. So it begs the question: when can we start decorating for the Christmas season?
In the point/counterpoint opinion below, Managing Editor Nola Quinn and Staff Reporter Mel Bright-Jackson debate this very question.
Lets decorate EARLY!
Following the endless months of the fall season, with spooky pumpkins, creepy costumes, and classic slashers in Halloween; followed by the candlelight Thanksgiving feasts; it finally comes to the Christmas season. Mariah Carey is at last defrosted, the air becomes chillier, soft snow sticks to the ground, and the dazzling arrays of Christmas lights fill the streets. It’s never too early to immerse in this season of joy.
Christmas decorating and celebration should undoubtedly begin on Nov. 1. According to TODAY, several studies show that decorating for Christmas early releases happy endorphins that combat the harsh winter months. These can be triggered by a sense of nostalgia that only comes during the season. Furthermore, if it can already be snowing come Oct. 31, that’s more than enough justification to jump right into Christmas.
“[People should decorate for Christmas] as soon as it makes [them] happy. Sometimes Halloween is ‘over’ before October 31 [… and] you should be able to put your decorations up,” said junior Maddie Pope.
If it’s already bleak and snowing, why stunt your happiness by not putting up Christmas decorations early? Even some subtle snowmen or small reindeer would suffice.
Yes, yes, I know: what about Thanksgiving? However, these holidays are on two different levels. Sure for Thanksgiving you get some delicious food, but on Christmas, you get food, presents, and all the cute Christmas activities. People can still celebrate Thanksgiving with a Christmas tree up. With all the cozy lights, warm hot cocoa, and adorable family traditions for decorating, bust out your Christmas decorations a little earlier this year and enjoy the warmth of the season as long as possible before the evil winter ravages the Midwest!
WAIT on those decorations, please.
While it may be true that in the Midwest snow starts to fall as soon as October and may not end until April, it does not change the fact that Christmas decorating should start at the very earliest at the end of Thanksgiving to around the first of December.
Leaves are still falling around us in November and it does not invoke the wonders of Christmas, but instead the conviviality of autumn.
Not only does the shedding of leaves not feel like Christmas, but setting up decorations too early can make the holidays feel too drawn out. A holiday enjoyer should want the season to last for a while but not get bored of it.
“It’s too early after Thanksgiving the next holiday is Christmas, but Thanksgiving is still before it and shouldn’t be uncelebrated,” said sophomore Rowan Barker.
People can still enjoy their decorations even after they set them up the next day of Thanksgiving. They also can double up as New Year’s decorations with arrays of silver and gold incorporated into their decor. The feelings of New Years festivities would surly be boosted with soft Christmas tree lighting and winter-themed decorations.
New Year’s decorations are predominantly glittery gold and sparklers, a Christmas tree with a bit of gold and sequins would make it a great addition to the festivities of New Year.
As a matter of fact, Christmas decorations can last until February as the only decor for Valentine’s Day is some hearts and love, which can still play into Christmas. Perhaps a change with more light pinks and whites would flow perfectly into a combined Christmas and valentines set up. From delicate lace around the tree to strings of heart garland, the possibilities are endless.
Winter decorators may also consider adding a bit more red and white with some pink, put a bit more emphasis on love and now your tree is a Valentine’s Day one!
Everyone needs a little push to finish off the year and waiting to set up your tree after Thanksgiving could be just that. Whenever you choose to decorate, we hope those who celebrate enjoy the holiday season!
Hello! I'm Fionnuala Quinn. I'm currently a senior at OHS and this is my third year of journalism. Apart from journalism, I am involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Best Buddies, and horticulture club. I'm so thrilled to serve as EIC this year!
