At Woodland Regional High School, the holiday season is celebrated across the community. The beginning of this season signifies the return of Christmas decorations, music, movies. Those who love the season tend to agree that the aspects associated with it help to make the season so special; however, something that is not commonly agreed on is how early is “too early” when it comes to celebrating Christmas.
When looking at when to start celebrating, it is important to first identify what qualifies as “celebrating.” In general, embracing the core aspects of the holidays classify as the start of celebrating. Anything between playing subtle Christmas music on the way to school or wearing a Santa hat everyday up until Christmas is considered “celebrating” Therefore, the joyful feelings that people associate with these aspects can cause people to seek those same aspects, even significantly before Christmas begins.
Once the month of November begins, the next approaching holiday is Thanksgiving. The weather slowly begins to get colder throughout the month, leading up to the feast. After Thanksgiving, there are a few more days that round out the month, until it is eventually December. From that point on, the Christmas spirit is vibrant. But, does this necessarily mean that the celebration officially starts in December?
Typically, the very earliest that celebration begins is the beginning of November. While Thanksgiving is beloved by some, it is common for some people to completely overlook it because of their excitement for Christmas.
“As soon as Halloween is over, I start to get in the Christmas spirit,” said student Molly Nichols.
Nichols is not alone with her beliefs, as many TV and radio stations will begin playing their holiday movies and music immediately after the month of November begins. Considering the joyful feelings associated with the holiday, it is very reasonable for the lust for celebration to begin that early.
Having said this, it is very common that following Halloween, Thanksgiving is the holiday on one’s mind. In fact, it is a very reasonable belief that the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving do not need to be associated with Christmas at all.
“Firstly, I think there is no point in getting excited for a holiday that’s still a month away,” said Woodland student Ethan Valentino. “Secondly, it is utterly disrespectful to the amazing holiday of Thanksgiving to celebrate Christmas right after Halloween.”
Due to the fact that celebrating the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving may be a tad premature, there are many people who feel as though Christmas should be celebrated immediately after Thanksgiving.
“I usually start celebrating Christmas right after Thanksgiving ends,” said student Connor Cull.
Following Thanksgiving, there is typically about a week before the month of December. If you celebrate Christmas, it is very normal to associate Christmas with that month; therefore, there are also people who feel as though they should wait til that month to begin their holiday celebrations.
“I like to celebrate Christmas at the beginning of December,” said student Robert Giampetruzzi. “I will never see myself celebrating before then.”
Those who love Christmas can all agree that it is a wonderful time of the year. The holiday that never fails to bring friends and family together will most likely have the same effect as usual this year, no matter when you decide to start celebrating.
