By Helen Muehlenkamp

Did you know that some people start decorating for Christmas in September? Today we will dive into a very controversial topic; when do people think Christmas decorations should go up? The question that I asked people when I interviewed them is “When do you think we should start decorating for Christmas and why?” There were many different responses while many were amazing there were also a few that really stood out to me. 

Emmy Hansen felt very strongly about this topic. First, she declared that people who decorate only after Thanksgiving, “are just downright party poopers.” Further elaborating on her stance, she explained that decorating for Christmas is fun and makes people happy, so decorations should be put up early so people are happier for longer. Then, after she composed herself, she said, “let’s just be genuine here,” and acknowledged that some people do not want to celebrate the “Joy of Christmas” before Thanksgiving. Emmy appreciates Thanksgiving, but she likes the fun of decorating for Christmas early and being able to enjoy Christmas cheer for a longer period of time.

An opposing viewpoint comes from Ellie Swartz. Ellie thinks that Christmas decorating should only begin after Thanksgiving. Ellie thinks that decorating before Thanksgiving, “makes the holiday less special.” She also said that, “the Holly Jolly Christmas spirit can still be celebrated, even if you decorate after Thanksgiving.” Ellie believes that, to keep the Christmas spirit strong, people should decorate for Christmas after Thanksgiving so that it feels more special.

Finally, Sam Arevalo had conflicting opinions about when to decorate. First she said that people who wait to decorate until after Thanksgiving, “want to have time to be thankful and enjoy other holiday seasons besides Christmas.” Then, later in the interview after some more thought, she said she thinks some people who decorate after Thanksgiving, “don’t see it as the time to start to get festive yet. But I do.” She later said that she thinks that decorating should not start directly after Halloween, but doesn’t need to wait until after Thanksgiving. The sweet spot for decorating is between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

I agree with Sam; decorations should be put up between Halloween and Thanksgiving. I think that decorating for Christmas is fun and it makes many people just like me happy, which is why decorations should be put up early, so you can have the happiness and joy of Christmas for longer. However, decorating on November 1st is too early, and will lead to the holidays not feeling as special, because people celebrate for so long.

In conclusion, there are many different opinions when it comes to the start of the Christmas season. Some people prefer early and some people prefer later, but you should put up your decorations when you feel the time is right, and when it will bring you the most joy and holiday cheer.