This is the time of year when the debate of when the Christmas countdown should start. Some believe it should begin on December 1st, but others decide to wait until after Thanksgiving. But for me, November 1st is the perfect day to start.
Once Halloween is over, there’s not much to look forward to until Thanksgiving. November can feel like a long and quiet month with shorter days, colder weather, and school work overflowing. We are stuck with endless essays, midterms, and early sunsets. Beginning the Christmas countdown early gives people something positive to focus on. It makes the month feel a bit lighter and helps build up excitement for the upcoming season. On the other hand, waiting until later in the month usually helps people keep holidays separated and organized.
A lot of people say starting early takes away from Thanksgiving, but I don’t see it that way. Thanksgiving and Christmas share similar concepts like family, appreciation, and togetherness. We can still enjoy Thanksgiving while looking forward to the holidays that follow. My birthday is also in November, so I like feeling the Christmas spirit around this time of month too, because in my family, it was always celebrated that way. Starting the countdown early just adds to the holiday spirit.
December usually flies by between exams, winter concerts, and last-minute shopping. There’s barely enough time to soak in the season before it’s over. When starting early, it can give people time to plan ahead and decorate without stress, instead of cramming plans into just a few hectic weeks. Starting the countdown in November gives us a chance to slow down and enjoy it.
Some may think that starting the countdown early means people will get tired of Christmas before it arrives. But in reality, most people don’t stop enjoying the season once it begins. Beginning the countdown earlier just lets us enjoy it for longer.
This year, I decided to start on November 1st, because I know my birthday can take up a lot of planning. Not to mention all the schoolwork I would have to do that takes up most of my time as well. I would need as much time as possible to prepare for the Christmas season before December hits, while also having time to study and have time for my birthday plans without any overwhelming worries.
At the end of the day, everyone celebrates in their own way. Some prefer to wait and that’s fine. In my opinion, November 1st isn’t too early, for me it’s right on time. The earlier we start spreading holiday cheer, the longer we feel it. So if that means putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, then so be it. A little extra excitement and joy never hurt anyone.
