As the holiday season begins, students eagerly anticipate Christmas, with many starting their celebrations earlier than ever.
The excitement for Christmas grows each year, with students putting up decorations as early as November 1. The holiday spirit is contagious, with families getting into the festive mood when the calendar turns to November.
“I put my tree up the first day in November,” sophomore Eleanor Terry said.
Family traditions often drive the early start.
“We started setting up for Christmas in early November,” sophomore Kian Mcbride said. “My mom likes to get in the festive spirit earlier than most.”
Students share this early enthusiasm for Christmas, with some thinking about it as soon as a week before Thanksgiving.
“It improves how I feel in the weeks before Christmas,” junior Tiana Nunn said.
However, some believe Christmas celebrations begin too early.
Senior Marcella Townsend, for example, finds it frustrating stores like Target begin selling Christmas decorations as early as September.
“People start celebrating Christmas too early; it’s like one of my biggest pet peeves,” Townsend said.
For Townsend, Thanksgiving should take precedence, with Christmas festivities reserved for after the holiday.
“I think the day after Thanksgiving, or even later, is the only appropriate day,” Townsend said.
Despite the differing opinions on when it’s appropriate to start celebrating, students agree Christmas is a time for family, togetherness, and making memories.
“Just hanging out with my family and seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins,” Mcbride said.
Terry also values quality time with family.
“Being with my family and having quality time makes Christmas special,” Terry said.
Decorations play a significant role in the Christmas cheer.
“The decorations are beautiful,” Nunn said.
The decorations, lights, and music create a sense of warmth for students, especially on snowy winter days.
Though some argue Christmas overshadows other holidays, like Thanksgiving, others believe the Christmas spirit is worth embracing early.
“I do think Christmas can overshadow Halloween and Thanksgiving, but I don’t care because I think Christmas is just more important,” sophomore Bella Coronel said.
As November continues, the excitement for Christmas only intensifies, whether through decorating, shopping for gifts, or simply enjoying time with loved ones.
As the debate continues when it’s too early to start celebrating, one thing is clear: the joy and anticipation for Christmas remain high, and the season’s spirit is already in full swing for students.
Whether they start early or wait until after Thanksgiving, the upcoming holiday season promises to bring people together for shared moments of joy and celebration.
