Let’s get real for a moment. For most of the year, I’m not particularly fond of artists like Mariah Carey or Justin Bieber. You wouldn’t catch me searching through their songs on music apps. But come November 1, everything shifts—suddenly, I’m jamming to “Under the Mistletoe” by Bieber while whipping up holiday treats in my kitchen.
To me, the Christmas season kicks off as soon as the last of the Halloween decorations is stashed away. As soon as the sun sets earlier and the first snowflakes appear (which, in Wisconsin, could very well happen in October). On November 1, my home transforms with red and green decor. Snowmen start to grace the mantle, and while we don’t put up our real tree until after Thanksgiving, you can bet that holly wreaths and festive accents are already adorning our windows and doors. Movies like The Grinch and Elf dominate our streaming queues, and my kids eagerly begin crafting their wish lists.
You might even catch me—someone who typically dreads shopping—venturing into actual stores or malls. When November rolls around, I crave the energy of bustling crowds, holiday tunes, and even the long lines! I might surprise myself by chatting with fellow shoppers or humming along to Jingle Bells while browsing the racks at Old Navy. The truth is, the holiday season fills me with pure joy, and I want to extend that joy as long as possible.
And I won’t apologize if my enthusiasm irks you.
Here’s the Real Scoop
Kicking off the Christmas festivities early doesn’t mean we overlook Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Remembrance Day. We do celebrate those too! My kids will indulge in candy until they’re about to burst on October 31, and we’ll honor our veterans on November 11 with pride.
When Thanksgiving arrives, we’ll feast on turkey and pie, lounge in stretchy pants, and reflect on what we’re grateful for. (Just don’t be surprised if there are some candy canes and Santa figurines mixed in with our pumpkins.)
So Yes, I Embrace the Holiday Season as Soon as I Can. Here’s Why:
- It Takes a Lot of Effort. There’s decorating, unwrapping countless treasured ornaments my kids have made, and shopping for everyone from nieces and nephews to teachers and our mail carrier. Then there are kids’ school parties and the cooking and cleaning if we’re hosting. Not to mention the occasional disaster like a fallen tree with broken ornaments. As much as I adore this season, it’s undeniably stressful. By the day after Christmas, I often feel run down—if not before. The thought of cramming everything into a mere two weeks makes my head spin. I’ve got too much on my plate to procrastinate!
- The Holidays Zoom By. The hustle and bustle of the season can make Christmas feel like it’s over in a flash. I cherish the magic of Christmas mornings from my childhood and want to recreate that magic for my kids. But with their excitement, the gifts are unwrapped in mere minutes, leaving us wondering, “Is that it?” I can’t stand the idea of Christmas being confined to just one day, especially when everything goes by so quickly.
- Christmas Makes Me Nostalgic. One reason I adore the holiday season is because of my mom. Even though my family didn’t have much, Christmas was always special at our house. My mom thrived on it, shopping year-round for the best deals to ensure my sister and I had those magical moments. I want to keep that spirit alive and feel closer to her through my own Christmas traditions.
- The Weather Calls for Cheer. Living in Wisconsin means winters are harsh, so all that holiday cheer really does help warm my spirits. If you live somewhere where winter isn’t quite as brutal, then let me enjoy my festivities in peace!
- It Simply Makes Me Happy! At this point in my life, I’m all about doing what brings me joy. That includes binge-watching my favorite shows, enjoying snacks, and listening to holiday music for months. Cranking up Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” while making gingerbread houses with my kids doesn’t impact your fall experience one bit, so let me be!
And guess what? I’m not alone in this. According to psychologist Deborah Serani, decorating for the holidays can elevate your mood by boosting dopamine levels, so why not give it a try? If you’re battling the winter blues, consider pulling out those holiday decorations a bit earlier. Feel free to join in on the fun at my place—cookies and spiked eggnog are always on the menu!
In Summary
I kick off my Christmas celebrations on November 1 because it brings me joy, allows for more meaningful experiences, and helps me connect with cherished memories. So if that means starting earlier than you, that’s perfectly okay.
Keyphrase: Christmas celebrations
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