Is November 1st the new December 1st?

I love Christmas. Everything about the season gives me all the feels: the chunky sweaters and cold weather. The dozens of Christmas cookies I consume guilt-free. And the endless hours of Hallmark movies I watch, snuggled up in my barefoot dreams blanket (not sponsored, did I say that right?) sitting next to my imaginary fireplace. Christmas is the best because it can make even the grinchiest happy.

I love Christmas so much that I used to start watching Christmas movies in July— which is now a thing on Hallmark, and I choose to believe I helped create that trend. Even when my family rolled their eyes and told me “to stop trying to make Home Alone work when it’s 110 outside...” I would ignore them and move on to The Santa Clause trilogy. But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to love all the seasons by putting my Christmas infatuation on hold until I cross the season threshold and transition into the most wonderful time of the year. 

One thing I love about working in film and advertising is that I get a jump start on the holidays because we start creating and shooting clients' Christmas campaigns in August. But, there is one major downfall to shooting festive ads in Texas, and that is the heat. While you might start to feel tidings of comfort and joy as you set up your wintery wonderland, you are brought back to reality when you notice the giant pit stains peeking out from your t-shirt since it’s still 100+ degrees outside. 

There are also times when we get to continue the Christmas spirit through February. One of the first movies I interned on—a Hallmark Christmas movie called "Angels Sing"—began filming the second week of January, and we did not finish in post until April. That was one of my favorite jobs because I spent five months living the Christmas life. While some might see that as overkill, I never complained because I still dream of becoming Mrs. Claus when I grow up.

And honestly, who doesn’t want to continue that holly jolly life for as long as possible?

This year, I saw my first Christmas commercial the day after Halloween. I’m sure others aired in October; I just didn’t notice. I also saw that TBS was airing the “Christmas in the Car” episode of Bob's Burgers, which shows Linda putting up her tree on November 1st. 

At which point, I couldn't help but wonder, has November 1st become the new December 1st? Is now the time to kick off the holidays?

With store shelves fully stocked with fake flocked trees, candy canes, and inflatable projection's of A Christmas Story; Hallmark beginning their Countdown to Christmas weeks ago, and Starbucks launching their Christmas menu-- why wouldn’t we get started turning our humdrum houses into the North Pole?  

So, as I pack away my malnourished skeletons, put the toilet paper mummies back on the roll (it’s 2020; obviously we're saving it), and dismantle the spooky town of Hearse, Pennsylvania; I will bust out the kate spade bow earrings (again not sponsored), my favorite gangsta wrapper long sleeve tee and start rocking around each and every Christmas tree. I will only drink my decaf coffee out of my Santa face mug and make sure our "He Sees You When You're Sneaking" cookie jar is fully stocked. I will put away any and all non-stretchy pants for the next two months and make sure each surface of my house has a Santa on it. And when I begin to feel self-conscious about my premature decorating—mainly when I see my neighbors inflatable Oogie Boogie blowing in the wind—I will remind myself that there is no shame in my decorating game if I'm feeling merry and bright. 

And fortunately, the Lord allowed me to marry a man who loves Christmas as much, if not more. And after his birthday this weekend, we will start to bring down the millions of boxes (okay, all ten boxes) of Christmas decorations and begin to string the brightest lights you’ve ever seen before we slice up some fruitcake. Just kidding, fruitcake is gross. 

Regardless of your decoration start date, do what makes you happy. Christmas in July used to make me happy, but now I’m happiest decorating the days after my husband's birthday.  

So here is my question: Do you think it’s too early to decorate November 1st? If so, when do you start?