On November 1st, the cold breeze has started rushing in, Christmas tunes start flooding radio stations, and almost every TV advertisement is holiday-themed. With the push to celebrate the holiday season, people everywhere start decorating their homes to prolong the spirit of Christmas, beginning with the iconic Christmas tree and sparkling red and green decorations. But what about Thanksgiving? But what about Thanksgiving? Are those who choose to celebrate earlier brushing past Thanksgiving traditions, or are they simply decorating early?
Well, with the numerous tasks involved in decorating for Christmas, it can be intimidating. It would make sense for some people to get a head start. Just setting up the Christmas tree involves fluffing the tree itself, wrapping tinsel around, adding ornaments sporadically but in a way that flows, and finally placing a festive tree skirt around the base, all of which can take from just a few hours to a full afternoon. But there is more! Next, festive decorations are placed throughout the home, including stockings on the mantle, a wreath in the center of the front door, and the arrival of a friendly Elf on the Shelf. Even on the outside of the home, sparkling lights are hung from the roof, snowmen and gingerbread inflatables fill the yard, and Santa’s sleigh sits proudly in the center of it all.
But no matter the task, decorating really comes down to personal opinion. Each family decides whether the Christmas tree and decorations will appear before Thanksgiving or after. Within our Woodford County Jacket Journal staff, sophomore Paisley Reed and senior Harper Beasley have shared their family traditions, each with unique perspectives. To start, Reed sides with those who decorate early, listening to Christmas tunes, three Christmas trees are put up throughout her home, and all decorations are bright red and green everywhere, all done right after Halloween. On the other hand, Beasley sides with those who decorate in line with Thanksgiving traditions. The Beasley family keeps all the fall leaves and turkey decorations out throughout their home with no mention of Christmas until after November 27th. Nevertheless, right after the 27th, her family shifts gears into the Christmas spirit, switching the fall leaves with snowflakes and the turkeys with Santa, turning on a Christmas movie while adding red and green decorations to their home.
With the Fall season ending soon, the opinionated decision on whether to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving has been a constant topic of discussion. When should the Christmas tree be brought down from storage and decorated, along with the additional lights and decorations? Should Thanksgiving be the “forgotten” holiday, or celebrated with a little extra pizzazz?
What is the true start time for the Christmas season, and when does it begin for you?
