Every year, it seems like decking the halls starts earlier and earlier. The radio starts playing festive music on Nov. 1, Christmas trees are immediately being put up and the whole world seems to think Christmas is the next holiday to come until the three day window surrounding Thanksgiving rolls around. While I do agree that the whole month of December should be dedicated to hot chocolate, festive lights, snowmen and Christmas shopping, starting in November is just a tad crazy; aside from Black Friday, of course.
Each year, there is a growing population of people who start putting up Christmas decorations in October. Now, I love Christmas as much as the next person, but in October; that seems just a little desperate. History teacher Meghan Riddock, a year-round Christmas lover, says that her family puts up their Christmas decorations “on a great year, mid October, and on a bad year, like the last week of October.” It’s common knowledge among Troy High School students how much Riddock loves Christmas. She believes that anytime can be the right time to put up Christmas decorations and play Christmas songs. While the Christmas season is one of the best ones by far, starting in November or even October can make the real month of December feel like it drags on.
Many people focus on the time before the holiday season to justify overconsumption. The sad thing is that ornaments, Christmas trees and presents are bought in bulk and may possibly never be used again after one season. The funny thing is that many people rush to take their decorations down practically the minute Christmas is over. Personally, I don’t let my family take the decorations down till after Jan. 10, my birthday. However, this is also a popular religious tradition; in the Catholic faith, it is believed that the Christmas decorations should stay up at least until Jan. 7, the day after the coming of the three kings to visit baby Jesus, known in the religion as the Epiphany.
The Christmas season is arguably one of the best, but beginning to celebrate it months in advance is over the top. A more normal time to put up the decorations is the first week of December. Take them down around the last week of December or even the first week of January if you want to keep the Christmas cheer through the new year. The Christmas season is a special time of year, and, while I can’t blame those who decorate early, Christmas belongs in December. Presents aren’t opened early, so keep the decoration boxes in the attic until Dec. 1.
