Point/counterpoint: Is Christmas celebrated too early?
December 13, 2018
The Christmas season is typically known for the bright lights weaved around every house, the joyful holiday music blaring on the radio, and an assortment of baked goods displayed on the dining room table.
Christmas may be favored by millions around the world, but is it celebrated too early?
This holiday is much more than just a day for eggnog, gift-giving and snowman cookies. It is an entire season, which many celebrate months in advance.
Some say Christmas is only a December holiday, however, it is usually begins at the beginning of November.
“Everyone who is anyone starts the Christmas season in November. All of the stores start their Christmas sales right after Halloween,” states an anonymous writer on debate.org.
“Also, who has ever heard of Thanksgiving music. I certainly haven’t, so it would make sense to play Christmas music during November.”
This holiday is considered to be one of biggest celebrations of the year, so why not give it an extended amount of time to celebrate?
The feeling of decorating the tree or hanging up the lights is intoxicating and is scientifically proven to lift up your mood. “Chromotherapy, or color therapy, which is thought to increase energy levels and boost happiness, might be at play,” states Psychologist Deborah Serani.
Color therapy is, “the use of colors and colored lights to improve or enhance physical or emotional well-being,” according to merriam-webster.com.
“Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone,” added Serani in an interview with today.com.
The science behind decorating early proves how celebrating Christmas early can help improve your mood and create a happier season for everyone.
Decorating isn’t the only thing that can help spark the holiday spirit. Gift giving is also scientifically proven to help increase our generosity levels.
A study from redballoon.com states that, “Neurologists suggest that our brains are wired to derive pleasure from giving.”
“Studies have actually found quantitative evidence that we feel a greater sense of happiness when spending money on others as opposed to when we spend the money on ourselves.”
Gift giving during the holidays is not only a way to create a more thankful and cheerful season, but it can also prove to our loved ones how much we care, simply by exchanging gifts.
Christmas should continue to be celebrated early, not only because it includes numerous entertaining activities, but also because it can create a happier and more generous community.
This season is scientifically proven to improve our moods and spark high spirits, so why shouldn’t it be celebrated early? Pushing this holiday into the beginning or middle of November is not a dramatic change and stretching the seasonal activities into Thanksgiving can transform into a more festive outcome.