In late October, I found myself in a harrowing situation when my partner had to be hospitalized due to septic shock. It was an incredibly frightening experience, and for days, I feared I might lose the person I love most. She spent 22 days in a hospital an hour away, and during those drives, I found solace in listening to Christmas music.
I understand that for many, hearing Christmas tunes before December can be utterly nauseating. However, amidst a pandemic and the stress of my wife’s hospitalization, I cranked up Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and, honestly, it lifted my spirits.
Turns out, I’m not alone in this mindset. Many folks are eagerly embracing the holiday spirit earlier than usual this year. Retailers have reported a surge in holiday decorations, with some even running out of stock by mid-November.
According to Alex Rivers, the founder of Evergreen Designs, “Holiday decor sales have skyrocketed this year.” Since July, sales have increased by 50% compared to last year, with some days seeing a 200% uptick. This trend isn’t just confined to the U.S.; online sales have also surged in countries like the UK, France, and Germany.
Big-box stores are experiencing this rush too. Sarah Collins, a holiday merchandise buyer for Home Goods, shared with the local press that they anticipated a busy holiday season, although they underestimated the pandemic’s impact. “Interest has surged dramatically this year. People are not just shopping early; they’re spending more than ever,” Collins noted. With more time at home, many are going all out with their decorations.
However, the move to decorate early in 2020 has its challenges. Online retailers are facing stock shortages much earlier than usual. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported that holiday item searches typically begin in September, but this year, Pinterest data shows that searches for Christmas ideas started as early as April. Yes, you read that right—April! While people were still celebrating Easter, they were already looking for Christmas gifts, recipes, and decor, with searches 77% higher than in the previous year.
Shipping is another hurdle. With the pandemic affecting logistics, delays are common. Items that once arrived in two days may now take weeks to ship. “The country simply doesn’t have the shipping capacity,” Rivers explained. “It’s not just about hiring more drivers; facilities are overwhelmed, causing delays. I advise everyone to shop for Christmas presents now—waiting until the last minute won’t work.”
So here’s the reality: if you want to deck the halls this year, you need to start shopping for decorations now. In fact, it might already be too late for some items.
As someone who cherishes the holidays and used Christmas music to cope with a difficult time, I’m thrilled at the thought of putting up my tree as soon as I finish this article. For those of us who love to decorate early, this is our year! There’s no need to feel guilty about it—embrace the spirit of the season!
For anyone who feels that early decorating is akin to dining out too soon after a bout of food poisoning, I apologize, but you may be in the minority this year. With everything turned upside down, we could all use a little extra joy. So, let go of those reservations and start decorating early—if you can get your items shipped in time, that is.
For more insights and tips on navigating this unique holiday season, check out our other blog post, Home Insemination Kit. If you’re looking for resources on fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable information. And for those interested in pregnancy information, In Vitro Fertilisation is an excellent resource.
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Summary:
This article discusses the early surge in holiday decoration purchasing amid the challenges of 2020, particularly due to the pandemic. With many seeking joy during difficult times, the trend of decorating early has gained momentum, despite shipping delays and stock shortages. The piece encourages embracing the holiday spirit without guilt, while also providing helpful links for further reading on related topics.
Keyphrase: Early Christmas Decorations
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