Christmas is known as the “most wonderful time of the year”, but recently it seems to be arriving earlier than ever. While people are buying their Halloween candy to give out, stores are filling their shelves with ornaments. Many people are already in the holiday spirit, while others think it’s way too soon.

Freshman Sophie Kimbark said she noticed the early decorations when shopping last weekend.

“They were playing a Christmas playlist in the store, and all of their Christmas clothes were on the racks,” Kimbark said.

Stores like Anthropologie and Altar’d State already have trees, lights, and sparkly outfits on display. Many stores begin setting up early to attract shoppers and get people excited for the holiday season, but for some shoppers, it feels like Christmas is rushing in before fall even ends. 

For example, some students think that jumping into Christmas too soon takes away from the other holidays that come first.

Freshman Juliana Parra said she prefers to enjoy each season in its own time.

“I think people should wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating,” Parra said. “When Christmas starts too early, it makes it less special.”

Parra explained that part of what makes Christmas exciting is the buildup and anticipation, and starting too soon can make it feel repetitive before December even begins.

Although some students say that starting early gives them more time to plan and shop for gifts before stores get too crowded. Freshman Livy Wynkoop shared that her family likes to start sooner rather than later. 

“I start my Christmas list around the end of October so I have ideas ready,” Wynkoop said.

Wynkoop explained that this helps her avoid stress and gives her something to look forward to as the weather gets colder.

Whether you think it’s too early or perfectly fine, one thing’s for sure: the Christmas spirit is spreading faster every year. Even before the last pumpkin is carved, the holiday season has already begun.