Opinion: Early Christmas Decorations by Shaili Sharma

Last month, I went to Costco and the first thing that caught my eye was the huge

collection of Christmas decorations. This was very surprising, because it was September and we

hadn’t even celebrated Halloween yet. Even today, in October, which is the Halloween season,

the sheer amount of Christmas decorations in stores is shocking. Seeing all of those decorations

made me think: when is it okay to start decorating? I had to ponder this for a bit, because usually

I’d say it’s okay to decorate for a holiday two to three weeks beforehand. However, some people

don’t have the time to do that, and need to start decorating a month and a half before. Also, when

people have decorations up for a holiday, even just a week before the holiday itself, it makes the

anticipation for the holiday much greater, and adds personality to usually boring and bland

neighborhoods After all, there are only a few holidays that we can even decorate for, which

makes it even more important and exciting. Decorating earlier allows us to eagerly anticipate

those events which we, as a community, can celebrate together.

However, seeing decorations being put up for Christmas in October is really off-putting.

Personally, I find it strange, as it, unlike putting up decorations in the month of the holiday,

doesn’t really build anticipation. It’s fun to see decorations, but when they are months before the

actual holiday, then the happiness that usually builds up before the celebration is diminished.

Seeing decorations becomes a normal occurrence which doesn’t add much to the holiday spirit.

For example, my neighbors have a pair of deer-shaped lights which they put up in their front

yard for Christmas. I personally think they’re adorable and stick out well, but by Christmas I

barely even notice them anymore because they have just been there for so long.

In the end, I think the best time to put up decorations for a holiday would probably be

three-and-a-half to four weeks beforehand. That way, the decorators have enough time to find

and put up decorations without diminishing the effect of the decorations on the overall mood of

the holiday. I personally am really looking forward to seeing the decorations that people will put

up for both Halloween and Christmas, as they are not only beautiful, but are a fun way to connect

with your community and celebrate. I just hope people don’t start decorating too early.