Nightmare before Christmas: Christmas in October
ALLISON MCINNIS | ASST. OPINION EDITOR | THE USD VISTA | @allisonmcinnis_
Halloween is behind us. The costumes are in the hamper, or, for those responsible few, put away in the closet for next year. Thanksgiving is in a few weeks, and the four day break lingers oh-so-close, yet so far.
Anyone who has recently been to a Target, Rite Aid, or CVS, basically anywhere outside of your apartment has noticed one undeniable truth: Christmas time is here already. Whether it is a banner strewn across the entryway of a store, a car passing and blasting holiday music, or that kid who wears Christmas socks to class, the festivities seem to be as alive as they can be, albeit only the beginning of November.
The pumpkins have been replaced by the wreaths and tinsel, and “Jingle Bell Rock” blasts in stores. But wait: how is it winter already? We were just wearing shorts last week.
Christmas began even earlier this year, a week before Halloween and a full two months before Dec. 25th. It seems to be that we’re learning to anticipate Christmas’ early arrival.
University of San Diego students have mixed reactions. Some students are outraged at the thought of skipping turkey day. Others are responding either with apathy, or they are absolutely enthralled with the extended celebrating time.
Those who insist it is too early explain that Thanksgiving is a valid and exciting holiday of its own, and denying its right as one is wrong. It is a time for family bonding over a feast of delicious traditional food, yet commercialized America is brushing over it as if it doesn’t exist.
Sophomore Johnathan Seizar stated that Thanksgiving is one of his favorite holidays, from the food to the welcoming environment.
“I don’t think it’s bad to start decorating, but it’s still almost two months away,” Seizar said. “And we still have another holiday right in the middle of the time. And I like Thanksgiving.”
Freshman Madison Tunney agreed with Seizer. Tunney explained that the beginning of November is much too early to begin the holiday festivities.
“Personally, I feel like it is way too early,” Tunney said. “Christmas decorating should start Dec. 1, but if you are really anxious, then I guess you can start after Thanksgiving. But now is way too early.”
Sophomore Halie Sonnenshein shared a more apathetic approach on the topic. She said that she doesn’t mind the spirit, but it takes more time for her to get excited about the holiday season.
“It’s a little early, and I need until Thanksgiving to get into the spirit,” Sonnenshein said.
Some stores have been fighting back against the newest trend of starting Christmas in November. Nordstrom posts a sign every year in November that explains the company’s holiday decorating decisions.
“Here at Nordstrom, we won’t be decking our halls until Friday, November 27,” the sign said. “Why? Well, we just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.”
Others are elated about the early arrival of the holiday season. These people are usually easy to distinguish with their ironically ugly sweaters, red and green socks pulled up to their knees, and apartments decked out with poinsettias and Santa candles.
These Christmas enthusiasts are usually found in the holiday section of Target the day after Halloween. Much to the chagrin of their roommates, they guarantee that no time is too early to start celebrating.
Sophomore Sunit Bhakta has a much more favorable stance about the early decorating. Bhakta explained his excitement for the impending winter and holiday season.
“I believe that Christmas is a seven week holiday interrupted by Thanksgiving,” Bhakti said. “Christmas is one of the things I love the most in life, so it can never be too early.”
Sophomore Mady Miller shared that, like anything else, moderation is key when preparing for Christmas before Thanksgiving.
“Going all out for Christmas before Thanksgiving is a little much, but if you start slowly pulling decorations out here, then I approve,” Miller said. “Just as long as no one plays Christmas music before Thanksgiving.”
Students and the rest of the USD community maintain these mixed sentiments. Whether we like it or cannot stand it, it looks like Christmas is coming even earlier than usual this year.
All of this being said, I must confess a single truth. I am that kid wearing Christmas socks, listening to the music, and enjoying the early festivities. In fact, as I’m writing this, I am enjoying a rendition of Frosty the Snowman and drinking a peppermint mocha.
Let’s face it: many of us are looking forward to the “most wonderful time of the year,” even if some of us think it should start when it’s lower than 75 degrees.