Okay, so you’ve just shut the door behind the last trick-or-treater, and the Halloween candy bowl is now more wrappers than sweets. The question on your mind is, is it too early to for Christmas? Can you pull out the wreaths, the ribbons, and the tinsel? Well, the short answer is yes, yes you can. Life is short, after all, and who are we to judge if you want to swap out pumpkins for Christmas lights before the clock strikes midnight on October 31st?
But, if you’re the type who likes to savour each holiday and season, or if you’re simply curious about the ‘right’ time to deck the halls, then you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll explore the timing and reasons for perhaps delaying or accelerating your Christmas plans. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, get comfy, and read on as we dive into the festive world of Christmas decorations, music, and all the trimmings.
First, I must confess, I am a massive Christmas enthusiast. You might even say I’m borderline obsessed with the holiday season. The twinkling lights, the festive music, the aroma of freshly baked cookies – it all brings me immense joy. However, there’s a fine line between embracing the Christmas spirit and going overboard. In my humble opinion, having Christmas lights up before the last trick-or-treater has left your doorstep is simply a no-go. It’s a tad obnoxious, and quite frankly, it’s no wonder that some people feel overwhelmed and turned off by the whole Christmas season. It raises the question, is it too early for Christmas? When is the right time to swap out pumpkins for Christmas lights and start blaring ‘Jingle Bells’ on repeat?
Full disclosure, my Christmas lights are up prior to Halloween, but they remain unlit until the appropriate time. Smart Canadians understand the realities of trying to string lights in negative temperatures. But I digress.
This brings us to the Pleasantville guide to Christmas, a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate the holiday season without driving your neighbours, friends, and family absolutely bonkers with your holiday enthusiasm. Because let’s face it, there’s a time and a place for everything, and timing is key when it comes to getting the most (or the least you Grinch) from Christmas.
The Christmas Retail Wonderland
Okay, I get it. Christmas is a big money maker for those in business, and in a competitive world, you want to get the jump on the guy schlepping the same stuff. BUT, there is no earthly reason for anybody to be selling Christmas stuff in July. Yes, Costco, I am giving you the stink eye.
As a Canadian, with a very short summer, I really hate when stores make me think of cold weather and snow while I’m still enjoying my flip flops and shorts. So, maybe you could wait until October 1st? Ideally, I’d say November 1st, so you wait until after Halloween, but I’m fair. Can we get this in writing for next year, then?
As far as decor, the malls and stores should definitely wait until mid-November before pulling out the lights and garland. This way, everyone can enjoy the fall season on their terms without feeling rushed into the Christmas buying frenzy.
Honouring Traditions and Setting the Festive Mood
Growing up, I was taught the importance of patience and respect when it comes to Christmas decorations. My parents and grandparents instilled in me the tradition of waiting until after Remembrance Day to pull out any festive baubles or play Christmas music, as a sign of respect for those who fought for our country. This tradition was something I held dear and followed faithfully.
However, as the years have gone by and the world has changed, especially in the post-pandemic era, I’ve found myself more inclined to embrace the festive spirit earlier. Now, I find comfort and joy in pulling out my Christmas decorations well before December. After all, Christmas for me has never been about the gifts; it’s always been about the mood, the atmosphere, and the warmth that the festive season brings.
In these topsy-turvy times, I feel no shame in wanting to immerse myself in the Christmas spirit a little earlier. I’m fairly confident that my grandfathers, who fought in World War II for our freedom, would understand and approve of my decision to find joy and comfort in the festive season, whenever it may start.
When it comes to outdoor decorations, I still believe in the communal aspect of sharing our festive spirit with the world. While I encourage everyone to be proactive and put up their Christmas lights before the winter chill sets in, let’s also remember to be considerate of our neighbours and community, and perhaps wait until mid-November, early-December to illuminate our homes and neighbourhoods with festive lights.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
Just call me Switzerland in the great Christmas tree debate because, frankly, I’m neutral. I appreciate the charm of both real and artificial trees. As per usual, I’ll be embracing the best of both worlds, with a mix of real and artificial trees gracing my home.
In my kitchen, you’ll find a lovely artificial tree, while another rescued artificial tree stands proudly outside my front door. That’s right, I saved it from a terrible fate in the dump, giving it a new lease on life as part of my festive outdoor decor. In my living room, the pièce de résistance, a real tree, will be making its grand appearance around the second weekend of December, just in time for our Reindeer Games. And let’s not forget the smaller trees that add a touch of Christmas cheer to my office and bedroom.
So, whether you’re team real or team fake, whether you put up your tree on December 1st or wait until Christmas Eve, the important thing is to enjoy the process and let the Christmas spirit fill your home. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Embracing the Joy of the Season: To Card or Not to Card
There was a time when I was meticulous about sending out Christmas cards. I would carefully select the perfect card, pen heartfelt messages, and ensure they were mailed out in time for the festive season. But over time, I began to resent the process. The cost of cards and postage, the time spent writing and mailing them, and the knowledge that they would likely be tossed aside after a quick read – it all felt wasteful and contrary to the spirit of Christmas.
So, I made a change. I decided to forgo the traditional Christmas cards and opted for a more fun and eco-friendly alternative – Elfing myself and my family and friends! It’s a delightful way to spread Christmas cheer without the hassle and waste of traditional cards. Alternatively, check out Canva for a DIY you can email.
The beauty of Christmas is that it’s a season of joy, love, and togetherness. It’s a time to embrace the activities and traditions that bring happiness to you and your loved ones. If sending out Christmas cards is something you enjoy, then by all means, continue the tradition and aim to have them in the mail by December 1st to ensure they reach their recipients in time. But if you’re ready to break free from the constraints of Christmas cards, I highly recommend checking out ElfYourself. It’s a fun, modern way to spread holiday cheer and make lasting memories with your loved ones. After all, the true spirit of Christmas lies in the joy and happiness it brings, not in the obligations and expectations that often accompany the season.
The Elf on the Shelf Trap
In recent years, the Elf on the Shelf has taken the Christmas world by storm. The concept is simple yet charming: your elf arrives at your home for the Christmas season and keeps a watchful eye on the household’s behaviour, reporting back to Santa on whether it’s been more naughty or nice. Each night, while the children are nestled all snug in their beds, the elf makes a trip back to the North Pole and returns to a new spot in the home the next morning.
For those seeking inspiration, Pinterest is a treasure trove of creative and whimsical ideas to position your elf. It’s undeniably a delightful tradition that adds an extra layer of magic to the Christmas season. However, it’s not without its challenges. Bring the elf out too early, and its magical influence might wane, losing its power to elicit good behaviour with a well-timed “Oh, oh, I wonder what the elf will report back to Santa tonight?” Additionally, the daily responsibility of moving the elf to a new spot can become a bit of a chore, and you might find yourself feeling resentful towards the little guy.
To strike the perfect balance, I recommend introducing your elf on December 12th. This gives you ample time to enjoy the fun and magic of the tradition without it becoming a burden. After all, Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, not stress and resentment. So, let the elf work its magic and bring smiles to your household this festive season, for a limited engagement only!
Time To Defrost Mariah Carey
When it comes to Christmas music, there are no hard and fast rules. In the privacy of your own home, feel free to blast those festive tunes whenever your heart desires. Personally, I wait until after Remembrance Day to hit play (as mentioned above), but if Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” brings a smile to your face, then by all means, let it rip.
Speaking of Mariah, did you know that her iconic Christmas hit earns her a whopping $3 million a year? She got that bag alright, Santa’s Bag!
But back to the music. While you have the freedom to enjoy Christmas music in your own space, stores should exercise a bit more restraint. There’s no need to start playing holiday tunes in October. Mid-November is a more reasonable time to start spreading the Christmas cheer. As for radio stations, let’s give it until December 1st before the airwaves are filled with jingle bells and ho-ho-hos. After all, anticipation is half the fun!
Festive Gatherings and Merry-Making: Planning Your Holiday Parties
When it comes to holiday parties, timing is everything. While December is the prime time for festive gatherings, it’s crucial to send out those invitations well in advance. People’s calendars tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season, so make sure you give your guests plenty of notice to ensure a good turnout.
In November, start planning your party and send out those invites. This will give your guests ample time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements. And remember, it’s not just about the date; it’s also about the experience. Consider hosting a Reindeer Games party for some silly fun with friends and family. For further inspiration, check out this post on how to host a White Elephant Party and share your favourite things with friends and family.
And let’s not forget about Christmas dinner. If you’re planning on hosting, make sure you communicate with your guests well in advance to confirm who will be in charge of the turkey and all the trimmings. After all, the holidays are a time for joy and celebration, not stress and last-minute scrambling. So, plan ahead, give plenty of notice, and let the festive fun begin!
Packing Up the Festive Cheer
When it comes to dismantling the Christmas decorations, we all have our own timelines and traditions. In my case, I’m known to start the process as early as Boxing Day. By New Year’s Day, my home is typically Christmas-free, ready to welcome the new year with a fresh start. On the other hand, my parents prefer to wait until the day after Old Christmas before taking down their decorations.
But regardless of when you choose to pack away your festive cheer, there’s one thing we can all agree on: your Christmas tree should not still be up by Easter! Let’s keep the holiday spirit confined to its season, shall we?
But regardless of when you choose to pack away your festive cheer, there’s one thing we can all agree on: your Christmas tree should not still be up by Easter! Let’s keep the holiday spirit confined to its season, shall we?
Finally, when it comes to Christmas, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy, as long as it’s not hurting anyone else. Whether you start decorating in October or wait until December, whether you take down your tree on Boxing Day or wait until after Old Christmas, the choice is yours. So, go ahead, embrace the holiday season in a way that brings you joy. Merry Christmas, everyone!
And while we’re on the topic of Christmas traditions, don’t forget to check out this list of 25 must-see Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit.
Bye-Bye Halloween
Insane Mamacita
There are a few houses in our town that have their Christmas lights on already. And I too get upset when I see stores bringing out Christmas items early. What is the big rush? I think it would be respectful to wait until after Remembrance Day. That is how I was brought up as well.
Mary @ Parenthood
Technically, Christmas is a season lasting 12 days 🙂 Decorations should stay up until Epiphany (Jan 6th)
Most people don’t now, probably because they start way too early, turning what should feel special & out of the ordinary into a marathon. But then I’m a purist – decorations / music should wait until at least Advent. Apple tree clinics started with the Christmas music two weeks ago. That is just ridiculous in my opinion!
Kat
I love the feeling of Christmas, and look forward to prepping and singing and decorating. Start day for us though is December 1st for any decorations and carols. You’ve got to draw the line somewhere. Merry almost Christmas.
marci
We start decorating/shopping/listening/baking at a different time each year BUT I LOVE tearing it all down December 27…always gives me a sense of de-cluttering….
Steve Kubien
I’m one of the curmudgeons who think Christmas has become one big consumption marathon. It’s weird but my mom has always been Christmas-crazed and as a kid, I was too (duh. Presents!!!) but not anymore.
In terms of Christmas cards…I’ve always thought they were kinda silly. In the Pre-digital age, if you want to reach out to someone, place a phone call or write a letter. Nowadays, we are all in almost constant contact so they’re even more wasteful in my eyes.
All of that said, in your own home, do what you wish. Music, trees, lights, garland, boughs of holly…whatever makes you and your family happy.
I like the Elf on The Shelf. In my case, it will be a Ninja Elf on The Shelf which I made on my lathe cuz, I’m weird that way.
Now that I think of it, as a freshly re-singled guy, I need to get myself a tree and other decorations. It will make my girls happy and that’s good enough reason for me.
Candace
Well a)I don’t think you’re a curmudgeon and b)it’s a great season for a fresh start. My husband was a divorced guy when I met him. He had a sad tree with not a single ornament on it the first Christmas we were dating. For Christmas I gave him an ornament that said “Laugh often, love much”. It’s the first ornament on the tree every year now. Traditions can start at any time.
P.S. I like the Ninja Elf 🙂
Candace
I completely agree about tearing it all down. The house feels so organized afterwards 🙂
Candace
I don’t mind when anyone starts in their own home, but I do wish that for the outside people would at least wait until after Remembrance Day.
Candace
ACK! Two weeks ago? Yeah, that’s crazy.
Chantal
I love Christmas but I wait till December 1st to start decorating. And I usually do it slowly. Mostly because I am a disorganized person 😉
Last week I was Halloween shopping at Walmart and they had Christmas Music playing. I was not impressed.
Steve Kubien
Oh, my “first” Christmas tree will have ornaments, this I promise you! In fact, I’m going to make a good number of them on my lathe. It’s a really nice style, that unfortunately is too labour intensive to make for sale. 🙂
Victoria
My favourite holiday is Christmas, but for the love, wait until at least mid-November before blinging out.
At the same time, I’ve read one or two comments from veterans who say not to hold back on their account because they fought for our freedom to be able to celebrate Christmas. Here’s a compromise: wait until the Hallowe’en surplus candy sale is over before putting out the Christmas stuff?
Sandra
Love your blog Candace! I agree that people should wait until after Remembrance Day to put up lights and decorations. I remember as a child we’d always wait until sometime in December, and our tree (which used to be a real one) wouldn’t go up until about a week before Christmas.
I’m so with you on the Christmas Cards (or greeting cards in general)! Every year I would stress over trying to get them out on time, and rarely did, so people would be receiving them after Christmas Day! With social media today, cards have really lost their reason meaning. We have used ‘Elf Yourself’ – that is so great and makes people laugh. And laughing is one thing we don’t seem to get enough of these days.
We also just got our ‘Elf on the Shelf’ last year – the kids love it! Our daughter was so sad when he left and has been asking when he will show up – which will be Dec 1st. He doesn’t get very creative at our house as the kids are just happy to get up each morning to seek him out.
I do need to take your advice about not doing those things that I do not enjoy. That however would include cooking Turkey dinner on Christmas Day! It’s so much work for just the 4 of us, and I always feel like I spend more time in the kitchen then I do helping the kids with their new toys, and checking out their new stuff. I am seriously considering delaying turkey dinner to Boxing Day this year so that I can fully enjoy Christmas day with my family. 🙂
AlwaysARedhead
I, myself don’t like to see any Christmas decorations or hear Christmas music in stores until Halloween is over. It just drives me crazy how stores try to push each holiday earlier and earlier each year. Likewise, Christmas decorations do not go up in the house until November. I like to start early in November because the season is so short. As for a tree, it is a real one for us every year, and it goes up either the first or second week of December and comes down after New Years. In regards to Christmas cards I used to hate doing them until I got the whole family involved, I no longer sign my kids names or my husbands, they have to do it themselves and if they want to add a note all the better.
Aileen
This is so helpful. I know there are no hard-and-fast rules, but while I LOVE the Christmas season and want to enjoy it for as LONG as possible, I find that starting too early takes some of the magic out of it. I like the Remembrance Day idea!
Darcy Bhaiwala
As much as I respect these sentiments, I would dread a ban of Christmas lights before Remembrance Day. Many Indians hang up Christmas lights in October already to celebrate the festival of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light. I know Remembrance Day marks Canada’s contribution to war efforts but it might also be worth noting that the Indian Army that fought alongside the Allies in 1945 was entirely voluntary and comprised of 1.2 million people.
Adyson Rancourt
As much as I respect those who fought for our country, I don’t see why it’s doing any harm to enjoy the warm Christmas season before Remembrance Day. I think it’s fine if you don’t put your decorations up before this day, but honestly, it shouldn’t matter to you if other people do.
It’s too much work to enjoy the season for just a week or so. On November 1st, me and my family are decking the halls and singing carols. Who doesn’t love the warm feeling you’re filled with during Christmas time? Who doesn’t enjoy the cozy glow of Christmas lights, the sweet smell of fresh Christmas baking, the cozy decorations all over the house? I love Christmas time. I don’t care if you do, or when you put your decorations up, so you shouldn’t care when I do. Other people’s Christmas lights aren’t harming you in any way, and and it’s THEIR house anyways.
Dawn Trudeau
We use December 1st as our guideline for Christmas anything. Always wait until after Remembrance Day. Each has it’s own meaning and deserves respect. I detest going into the stores in September and they are ready for CHRISTMAS!!! Obviously, they don’t have an 8 year old squealing and begging for everything on the shelves….hmmm….I guess that’s their plan 😉
wildcat1969
I totally agree with you. We just finished putting up our lights on our house last night… yes they are officially up.
For 2 reasons: 1) We live in Minnesota, and don’t have any desire to put them up when it’s freezing cold and snow is on the ground. And in this state, you just never know when that might be. (I believe in 1992 we had a blizzard on Halloween). 2) This is the first Christmas my husband and I are celebrating as a married couple and we are giddy decorating our first home together.
Now that they are up, they WON’T be turned on until after November 1st. We will probably have people look at us like we are crazy, but it was a LOT of work and I am going to enjoy them as long as possible this Christmas season.
Aalaysia
I live in Ohio I start early July, right after the 4th with my music sequences, then the next step for me is the rooftop and eves, icicles go up on the 1st warmest day in November. Of course after all the decorations go up on the roof I then make my way to the garage to take everything out of boxes and assemble. I don’t put anything out in the yard until the day after Thanksgiving. Totally agree with the weather, there’s no way I’m gonna chance getting up on a ladder in the freezing cold or worse snow.
Austen cain
I decorate right after thanksgiving it’s never to early to be humble and Holly
NikolaiGertsman
I usually decorate two days after Thanksgiving
Patricia
I decorate in November. I have a big home and everyone celebrates Christmas Eve at my house. We have a lot of people over Friends, Family, my Kids their kids, and Santa shows up with lots of presents. I go all out on the decorating and everyone says that is why they love coming to my house on Christmas eve. If I started right before Christmas I would never get the decorating done in time. I have 3 little boys who love looking at all the Christmas decorations. If you do not like looking at other peoples homes decorated then just don’t look. Its interesting how everyone always has an opinion and wants to complain about something. Christmas brings joy and warmth to everyone unless you are a scrooge. If you want to complain about something why not complain about all the crazy chaos that is going on in this world. Now that is something to get upset over.
Candace Derickx
You know what Patricia, you’re right. I wrote this in 2012 and compared to all the craziness Trump has brought into the world in 2017, it seems pretty trivial now. Heck, in August of 2017, I’m actually looking forward to Christmas decor.
Bana
Honestly, I don’t know why people are upset of Christmas decorations when it starts early! I LOVE Christmas (btw I’m not Christian!) but I really enjoy the warm of it and how cozy it feels when Christmas’s tree is up in my big house. I like to start after Halloween decorating my house. I don’t put anything outside until Nov. if I like it and my entire family like it then honestly I don’t care if my neighbors don’t ( they do like it ?)
Charlie
here in Australia, Holloween is NOT a big craze what so ever, and we obviously don’t celebrate remembrance day so personally i love having the christmas holiday early!! again like the comment above me I just love the vibe of christmas and dont see putting up decorations to be a big deal because if anything…its a gift to myself ahaahha
Charlie
a gift as in it brings a lot of holiday magic all around me :)))
Erenee
I put up the tree Christmas Eve and take it down the Sunday after Epiphany (January 6th), so it’s definitely worth it if you celebrate a Christmas according to the Catholic Liturgical Year.
Erenee
I personally don’t like it because the original holiday is from the 24th of December to the 6th of Jan. Before that is Advent, a time of penance and longing. Seeing Christmas decor up long before then wrecks Advent, and just remind me how there really is a secular commercial Christmas and a religious liturgical Christmas. However, I’m happy for others’ enthusiasm, and I rarely pull a Grinch to tell them how I feel.
Mom4&Wife
Christmas is such a joyful time, I think if you put alot of work into decorating why not enjoy it for awhile???I put alot up oustide so i get a headstart while it is warm and comfortable outside we dont light it up until first week of Novemeber?Enjoy the Magical Holidays♥️
Jennifer
I think that it’s great that people start early, I think what it is, is that they enjoy the Christmas Season, people seem more joyful, happier, it reminds people of time shared together. I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to bring it about early and celebrate it as much as possible. We decorate right after Halloween for Christmas, and Spend Thanksgiving decorating the Christmas Tree. There is just a magical spirit with Christmas that people enjoy. We don’t take away from Thanksgiving, we just celebrate the time of year from Nov. 1st til the 2nd week of January.
Jennifer
We are the same! <3
Anne
Psh. Costco is aloud to sell, and show Christmas decorations in July. I’m sure if they were selling halloween decorations in July you wouldn’t mind. Well I decorate for Christmas a week before halloween and I don’t care, nor am I ashamed! And who the hell puts down Christmas decorations basically the day after. This articale was shit, can’t believe I read a load of crap. Well anyone who see’s this comment, and loves Christmas as much as I do, then decorate before halloween or the day after, and hell do not be ashamed be proud you have true Christmas joy and spirit inside you. Christmas is one of the best holidays of the year, so enjoy while you can!
Tdg
I love the feeling of Christmas. I’m starting my decorating today in fact. It’s such a short season so why not enjoy it for as long as possible? To each his own. I say do what makes you joyful!!
Kandace
Lol I guess I’m the odd ball here as my male cat loves Christmas and the tree n lights ….he also loves his “pumpkin king” cat collar and thinks he’s “jack the pumpkin king “? so in my home … We have a mix as Halloween and Christmas are both my favorites as well , I have a tree up all year round for us to enjoy with jack ornaments on it ,Santa’s white lights for my cat . I certainly tho don’t decorate the outside of my home until after Thanksgiving and take it down new years day ?
Michael
I also get annoyed when people start in September, but I’d say the PERFECT time to start is RIGHT after Thanksgiving. Once you’re finished with your lovely Thanksgiving dinner, is the best time to start!
Donna Boucher
I say the more early you can enjoy your Christmas decoration de better so I decorate for Halloween day cause I do not like Halloween and I put everything away the 27 of december cause once the gift I open to me Christmas is done so may as well back everything up…. This way we had enough time to enjoy everything…. And for people like me who we enjoy Christmas it is NEVER TO EARLY…. Why go freeze outside to put up your Christmas decoration winter is very cold in Canada and alot of snow if you wait to late you might have a hard time putting everyting up cause too much snow. 😉
Ioa
In Greece we don’t have Halloween or Thanksgiving. That means Christmas is the only “special season” on the September-December period. As a result. most people start celebrating and decorating from mid to late November. The most conservate people, however, starts only from the 2nd week of December!
Terri Palmer
Hi im in the uk .I’ve just started putting up my Christmas decorations today .I also have a table dedicated to remembrance day .
Even if my home is starting to look like santas grotto my respect is still there for the fallen and it always will be .
I decorate early as it takes me so long if I did it in December I wouldn’t have time to enjoy it .
Doug Torrance
Great blog and comments! It appears most of us are on the same page….wait until November twelfth then go nuts…..slowly or all at once! Being a widower for the first time this year, I promised my Wife that I’d continue on with our traditions…. start decorating after November 11…. start gradually with a few ornaments every day or so, until all that is left is the tree and the decorations that I put on it. We loved coloured lights all around our house or apartment, and white lights on the tree. My Wife also collected model churches and she asked me to continue her collection, so I’ll be adding a church each year I may cheat a little, though, and put the tree up asap after Remembrance Day. We are people of faith, so the reason for the season is of much importance…..so the Nativity Scene collection comes out early too. To everyone who will be celebrating a different Christmas this year, due to the pandemic, have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a shine one too!
Blessings and thanks for this space!!!
sadie.edwards
i love CHRISTMAS it is the best i love it is my favorite out of all of the holidays merry CHRISTMAS
Sandra M LaBossiere
I believe people have different needs of decorating for Christmas depending on their tolerance to the cold outside or up in the attic to find decorations. Heaven knows we need our spirits lifted as long as possible.
Cora Sundeen
I felt the same way about spending so much time preparing Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. It left little time to enjoy the children and all their toys. We decided to have a large Christmas dinner the weekend before Christmas, inviting all the family and having all the Christmas trimmings. On Christmas Day we celebrate with just ourselves and of course grandma and grandpa stop by in the morning. We open presents and afterwards we have a big hearty and festive breakfast. This leaves tons of time to enjoy the children playing and dad building the toys. Sometimes we don’t even get out of our pajamas all day!