The Mycenaean

Over two billion people celebrate Christmas every year. It has become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. 

People celebrate Christmas — the birth of Christ — through acts of giving, spending time with loved ones and engaging in various traditions and customs. 

Traditions associated with Christmas can range from decorations, holiday music, and a general atmosphere of cheer and heightened moods during the season. Families travel to visit one another and children highly anticipate a midnight visit from Santa Claus. 

As a major retail season, Christmas is often not contained to December. The Christmastime buzz begins as early as November or even late October. 

It plagues the question, does the Christmas season start too early?

Yes: The Christmas Season Starts Too Early

The Christmas season starts earlier because society has changed the meaning of Christmas. 

As part of today’s traditions, Christmas Eve is primarily spent guessing what is under the tree and using the famous “Santa Tracker” instead of reflecting on religious ties to the holiday. 

A holiday that originates from a place of faith and celebration of life has slowly shifted into a commercialistic enterprise. 

Advertising and marketing campaigns often overshadow the spiritual significance of Christmas by placing a heavy emphasis on gifts, shopping, and consumerism. Most of the Christmas marketing starts before Thanksgiving. 

People often refer to Thanksgiving, a holiday centered around gratitude and appreciating blessings, as the “skipped holiday.” The priority surrounding materialistic goods and the rush towards holiday festivities tends to overshadow fall celebrations. By prioritizing consumerism, a deeper appreciation for gathering with loved ones often takes a backseat. 

Carson Ray, sophomore, said, “Maybe give kids presents for Thanksgiving.” 

Social media has coined the term “skipping Thanksgiving.” It amplifies the amount people overlook Thanksgiving by pushing Christmas-related content as early as October.  

Social media trends and influencers often drive a heightened excitement around Christmas. It can overshadow the spirit of gratitude and reflection that Thanksgiving represents.

Ragine Griffin, junior, said, “[Thanks] is in the name. You’re supposed to be giving thanks and celebrating different people so I feel like it is important to stop and celebrate.”

By emphasizing the rush towards Christmas, social media is able to accelerate the transition to the festivities, causing many people to pass by other memorable events. 

Ray said, “I see all over social media people already putting Christmas decorations up before Halloween.”

The push to spend, shop, and decorate earlier not only distracts from the importance of other fall holidays, but also creates stress and burnout from holiday celebrations. 

Slowing down to appreciate Thanksgiving and other fall moments, provide a sense of living in the moment. Acknowledging the holiday and sacrifice of today can make the lead-up to Christmas more meaningful. 

No: The Christmas Season Does Not Start Too Early

Christmas time is for fostering a spirit of giving, kindness, and community service. The religious aspects of Christmas inspire activities that extend beyond December. 

The University of Texas at Dallas reported that during the holiday season, the rate of volunteers increases by 50%. The holiday season prompts people to reflect on what they have and consider which values they want to carry into the coming year. 

Christmas reconnects many people with their religious values and beliefs. Since various faiths emphasize helping the less fortunate through acts of charity, the holiday season naturally encourages similar behavior. 

Carter Nelson, sophomore, texted via iMessage, “Often we like sharing our time with friends and family. We can forget about those who need it [help] the most. Volunteering during the holiday season can let people know they’re loved and thought of.”

Many churches and companies host events such as toy drives and food drives aimed to help underprivileged families. 

The Christmas spirit motivates all of these charity drives. Countless more lives can be impacted if the spirit of generosity and giving is carried throughout the whole year.

Andrews University did a study about the connection of Christmas to people’s overall mood. Research has shown that any exposure to topics connected with Chrtistmas, triggers various parts of the brain to light up. Each person has their own experiences and ties to Christmas — the positive ties can instantly cause an itch for holiday joy. 

Christmas offers a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones, make new memories and build traditions. 

Ethan Engleson, junior, said, “I started listening to Christmas music in July on the way to the beach…. You can never not be in the Christmas spirit.”

The earlier people begin celebrating Christmas, the sooner these joyous emotions become more prevalent in the community. 

Although commercialism can push an early start to Christmas time, it also brings meaningful opportunities of joy, community outreach and charity. 

Balancing the holiday spirit with an open mind to all traditions can create a deeper connection to the holiday season.