A teeth-chattering breeze blows through you as you walk up to Hobby Lobby, the warmth hits you instantly, the scent of pine filling the air and a Christmas tune playing in the back. There’s just one problem. It’s Oct. 21 and you still don’t have a clue what you’re going for as Halloween, so why is Christmas here when Halloween hadn’t even happened yet?
Christmas is in the air before Halloween even ends, Thanksgiving hasn’t gotten a chance to breathe, and there are multiple TikTok’s and Insta reels of people putting up their trees. People are counting down the days for Christmas the minute a leaf hits the ground. Why is this a problem?
“I think Thanksgiving is now overlooked due to the fact people are now aware it was founded on colonization and bad history, I have no opinion on it because I’m not going to celebrate something that is associated with colonization,” junior Natalie Park said.
November is often associated with Christmas, even if it’s supposed to be the month of Thanksgiving and the bittersweet feeling of autumn ending.
Thanksgiving has been researched to be the second most overlooked holiday according to curiosity aroused, and especially this year considering the political state of America right now, so there is a lot of tension across the table. Some people might like the idea of Christmas starting when Halloween ends, others might like to savor that thanksgiving feeling, food around the table, the loud chatter and kids playing as plates are served and mouths are being stuffed with grandma’s famous Mac and cheese, unlike anyone else.
“Personally, to me, I feel like if its early November or December that’s whenever you can start putting up your Christmas stuff and getting into the Christmas spirit,” junior Maleah Apolonio said.
The name, Thanksgiving, speaks for itself, giving thanks to the people around and having a grand feast as the tradition applies. People often like to put their trees up the minute it’s the first of November, but that’s not the case for everyone. This could be seen as disrespectful to religious people who believe in Jesus, because Christmas is the commemoration of Jesus Christ, so when people start talking “gifts” this and “gifts” that, it might be seen as they are eager for what they will be getting out of Christmas and not the meaning and why it’s so important for religion and culture.
“I believe people celebrate Christmas so early is because it gives them a sense of nostalgia and childhood,” Park said.
Although Christmas is a big holiday due to it’s aesthetic and the vibe it brings, Thanksgiving also has its own aesthetics, hand turkeys and writing “what are you thankful for” to go up in the hallway. Thanksgiving isn’t just a day to eat around a big table, it’s a day to give thanks and give love to the ones that are the upmost important.
“I think it all depends on your personal preferences, but I do believe you’re crazy if you refuse to have any fall decorations even if you don’t celebrate thanksgiving because the colors are probably the best about that season,” Park said.