Christmas in November

Christmas in November?

Blog Date: 11/11/11

Author: Eric Haslbauer, Accounting Major

Edited by: Louis Lamonte, Accounting/Management Major

So you are driving down Hempstead Tpke. And you pass a row of stores on your right. There is a shimmer of light and your eyes naturally glance toward the light. Christmas wreaths, tinsel, and holiday lights are bedecking the faces of the buildings, creating that "magical" and "butterfly" feeling in your stomach. You smile, and continue driving. Then a thought sparks. You ask yourself, "What is today's date?" and notice that it is November 1st. That "butterfly" feeling disipates as it is replaced with a twinge of sadness. "Christmas is over two months away," you disappointedly say to yourself, for the decorations implied it was much closer. Now this little story brings us to one question...................................................

"When is too early to put up Christmas decorations?" This is a question that has been debated a countless number of times. Many retailors, for example, decorate their stores once Halloween is over! On the other hand, some people wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. Personally, I believe that Christmas decorations should not be put up until after Thanksgiving. Simply put, it's unfair to do it earlier! Why is it that Christmas totally overshadows Thanksgiving and in a sense, takes it over? I understand Christmas is arguably the most popular holiday (it is in fact my favorite holiday), but it should not overshadow Thanksgiving. Thansgiving deserves to be fully celebrated. Secondly, it deceives people. Decorating for Christmas early creates that disappointing feeling as described above. So then, why do several stores decorate almost a month in advance? After doing some research, I've discovered that stores do this in order to promote sales, i.e. Christmas shopping. Many people do most of their Christmas shopping in November anyway, but this "pre-decorating" elongates the Christmas shopping spirit. It increases sales for many companies, therefore, beneficial to the business. Essentially, it comes down to preference. So which do you prefer? What do you do? Decorate before or after Christmas? Why?