Christmas Creep

Scott Hardie | November 20, 2019
What are your thoughts about the Christmas season starting in early November in recent years?

Erik Bates | November 20, 2019
[hidden by request]

Scott Hardie | November 21, 2019
If my understanding is correct, in the southern hemisphere, predominantly Christian nations celebrate two Christmases: One in July when it snows, which is a cultural Christmas with gift-giving and decorations and so on, and one in December that solemnly honors the religious holiday. That seems like an excellent way to remember what the day is supposed to be about.

I don't want to begrudge anyone joy. I read recently about someone with seasonal affective disorder who becomes severely depressed once the temperatures drop and it becomes dark outside of working hours, for whom celebrating Christmas in November is effective relief, and I couldn't deny her that. If you enjoy Christmas, I say go nuts and celebrate it whenever you want.

My only objections to celebrating Christmas early are:

1) It's driven in part by retail interests. The nearby mall here goes way, way overboard with the decorations on November 1, and the TV commercials become so aggressive, and it feels like there's so much pressure to buy, buy, buy, shop, shop, shop, everywhere you look! This is unpleasant.

2) It's driven in part by culture wars. There has been a belief in recent years that Christmas is under attack, and a performative celebration of Christmas as a cultural signifier has become a way to fight back. This is unnecessary.

3) It makes me tired of Christmas. By early to mid December, I find myself utterly sick and tired of Christmas songs and decorations and TV specials and parties and so on. It just goes on way, way too long. This is exhausting.