The Great Christmas Decorating Debate!

 

Every year, around the end of October, the great Christmas decorating debate begins. When is the appropriate time to put up your Christmas tree? Some people are firmly in the November 1st camp. Others insist you must wait until after Thanksgiving. Some believe December 1st is the only acceptable answer. And believe it or not, there are people who wait until the actual week of Christmas. People have some pretty strong opinions about this, and I've always found it a little funny how worked up someone can get over when another person decides to decorate their own home. I mean, when you really think about it, how does my Christmas tree being up on November 1st affect your daily life?

 

For me, decorating for Christmas has never really been about the date on the calendar. It's about the feeling it brings me, and that feeling is pure joy.

 

For years, I decorated the weekend before Thanksgiving. When you share custody of your children and only have them every other weekend, you learn pretty quickly just how precious that time is. There are only so many weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I didn't want to spend one of those weekends pulling decorations out of boxes when we could be enjoying all the other Christmas activities together. I wanted more time for the traditions, the memories, and the little moments that make the season special.

 

Then 2020 happened. We all remember what that year was like. There was so much uncertainty, stress, and negativity. Like so many people, I was searching for anything that could bring a little happiness into my days. And for me, there is absolutely nothing like Christmas lights. So that year, I decided I wasn't waiting until Thanksgiving. I was decorating on November 1st, or as close to it as possible. And I haven't looked back since.

 

I don't know how else to explain it, but Christmas lights genuinely change my mood. One of my absolute favorite things about November and December is waking up early in the morning, when it's still completely dark outside, and sitting in my living room with nothing but the Christmas tree lights glowing. No overhead lights, no television, just the soft glow of the trees and a few quiet moments before the day begins. It is one of the most peaceful and joyful parts of my entire day.

 

And I am not exaggerating when I tell you that it actually gets me out of bed in the morning. There is no snooze button for me in November and December because I genuinely want to get up and enjoy that time. Something as simple as a strand of lights can completely change how I start my day. Isn't it funny how some of the smallest things can bring us the greatest joy?

 

Now, I'll admit that I might go a little overboard when it comes to Christmas decorations. Depending on the year, I have anywhere from seven to nine fully decorated Christmas trees throughout my house. Yes, you read that correctly, seven to nine! And I love every single one of them. My boys love it, too. The funny thing is, I don't even entertain. I'm not decorating to impress guests, host elaborate Christmas parties, or create some picture-perfect home for social media. I do it for us. I do it because I love walking into a room and seeing the lights. I love the memories attached to the ornaments, and I love the way our home feels during those two months.

 

There is something about having my house decorated for Christmas that completely shifts my energy. My home feels warmer, cozier, happier, and more peaceful. And quite frankly, I think that's reason enough.

 

Of course, one of the biggest arguments against decorating early is that somehow you're skipping Thanksgiving. This one always makes me laugh because I can assure you that in all my years of decorating early, I have never once skipped Thanksgiving because there was a Christmas tree in my living room. Not once.

 

To me, Thanksgiving is a day, and Christmas is a season. I can fully appreciate and celebrate both.

 

Thanksgiving has looked different for me over the years because I only have my boys every other Thanksgiving. On the years they're with me, we typically travel to spend the holiday with my brother and his family. On the years they're not with me, I usually don't do much because I don't have family nearby. Last year was a little different. I actually went to Thanksgiving dinner with the boys, their dad, and his parents, and it was really nice.

 

The point is that Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, connection, and appreciating what we have. None of those things disappear because my Christmas decorations are already up. If anything, sitting in a home that brings me so much happiness gives me one more thing to be grateful for.

 

Maybe it's just me, but I honestly feel like people's energy changes during the Christmas season. People seem a little more generous, a little more grateful, and a little more thoughtful. There is an excitement in the air. People are making memories, carrying on traditions, finding ways to give back, and spending time with the people they love. I know the holidays can also be stressful, emotional, and difficult for many people, and I recognize that Christmas isn't magical for everyone. But I think that's another reason we should embrace whatever brings us joy.

 

Life is hard enough without putting unnecessary rules around happiness.

 

If decorating your home on November 1st makes you smile, do it. If waiting until after Thanksgiving is a tradition you cherish, then do that. If December 1st feels right, wonderful. And if you're one of those people who waits until Christmas week, well, I don't understand you, but I support you! Haha.

 

The older I get, the more I realize just how much energy we waste worrying about what other people think. We have opinions about how people dress, how they parent, what they eat, how they spend their money, and apparently, when they put up their Christmas trees. But here's what I believe: If something brings you genuine joy, doesn't hurt anyone, and makes your life a little brighter, why wouldn't you do it?

 

You don't need to justify it, defend it, or ask for permission. We spend so much of our lives doing what we think we're supposed to do, following unwritten rules, and worrying about whether other people approve of our choices. Somewhere along the way, we forget that we're allowed to simply enjoy our lives. We're allowed to create traditions that work for us, even if they look different from everyone else's.

 

So, this year, I'll be taking down my fall decorations and starting Christmas on Halloween. Yes, Halloween! And I cannot wait. I'll spend the next several days decorating my trees, pulling out ornaments, turning on the Christmas music, and transforming my home into the place that makes me happiest. And when I wake up on November 1st, while it's still dark outside, I'll walk into my living room, turn on those Christmas lights, and enjoy one of my favorite moments of the entire year.

 

As we head into November, I want to encourage you to think about the things that bring you genuine happiness. Maybe it's decorating for Christmas early. Maybe it's a morning walk, a favorite holiday tradition, a quiet cup of coffee, or spending an afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Whatever it is, make room for more of it. Don't wait for the perfect time or someone else's approval. And don't let other people's opinions steal the joy from something you love.

 

Life is too short to leave the Christmas lights in a box just because someone else thinks it's too early.