As the air cools and leaves turn crisp, many holiday lovers find themselves facing a festive dilemma: finding the perfect time to decorate for Christmas. Some families lean toward an earlier start, eager to bask in the festive glow for as long as possible, while others prefer to wait until closer to the holiday, cherishing the anticipation. Each perspective brings its own joy and traditions, reflecting the diverse ways we celebrate the season.
Ultimately, the timing of holiday decorations is a deeply personal choice, shaped by traditions and the unique ways families embrace the season. But, for those who favor an early start, the holiday spirit begins right after Halloween.
“Normally, we start decorating around November 1st,” said freshman Madison White, an advocate for early decorating. “Decorating for Christmas makes me happy, so I love to start the Christmas season right away.”
This eagerness that extends beyond aesthetics reflects a desire to stretch out the joy, allowing the festive spirit to permeate early decorators’ lives well before the holiday rush.
The anticipation of Christmas fills many with excitement, and each early decoration acts as a countdown to the joy that lies ahead.
“I believe that decorating earlier lengthens the season, making me happier overall,” Madison said.
On the other hand, those who prefer to wait until after Thanksgiving argue that delaying decorations enhances the specialty of the season.
Freshman and supporter of late decoration Sophie Matusiak suggested that anticipation adds to the magic of the holidays.
“If you leave your decorations up for too long, it loses its importance,” Matusiak said
For them, a cherished part of the Christmas decorating experience is being able to decorate together as a family.
“Thanksgiving time is when my siblings are back from college, so we can all decorate together as a family,” Matusiak said.
Social media plays a significant role in shaping decorating habits, driving trends and inspiring individuals to transform their spaces. While both sides agree on its powerful influence, opinions differ on whether this impact is ultimately beneficial or overwhelming. Early decorators, however, like Madison, often feel it’s a positive force.
“It encourages people to start celebrating and get in the spirit of the holidays,” she said.
In contrast, late decorators worry that early exposure to holiday decorations can diminish the excitement as the season approaches. Seeing homes and public spaces decked out well before the holidays can lead to a sense of fatigue or make the actual celebration feel anticlimactic. They argue that pacing the process preserves the anticipation and ensures the holiday retains its charm.
“By the time Christmas rolls around, I don’t feel the joy anymore,” Matusiak said.
Whether you prefer to adorn your home early in November or wait until just before Christmas, the goal remains the same: to cultivate an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy and connection.
“Although we decorate early, we can add to it throughout the season and enjoy it even more!” said White.
This sentiment captures the essence of the holidays—each moment is an opportunity to enhance the experience, creating lasting memories that brighten the season.
It’s not about when the decorations go up; it’s about the memories made around them. Each ornament hung and the strings of lights draped serve as a reminder that the heart of the season lies in shared moments—cozy nights, laughter, and traditions that bring us together. So, whenever your tree goes up, let it be a backdrop for all the joy that comes from being together and celebrating the little things that make this time of year so special.
