Every year on Nov. 1, the internet waits for the annual video of music artist Mariah Carey who famously declares, “It’s Time!” to start the Christmas season. While her festive tradition is a fun meme for many, it highlights the question: When is it truly acceptable to celebrate Christmas?” For some, the early celebration of Christmas brings joy, while for others the Christmas festivities should be held off until much later.
The “Mariah is defrosting” is such a viral thing, it often causes opposite reactions from people. For some, the holiday spirit is their instant reaction.
“It feels like holiday cheer, I literally want to jump out of my chair and start dancing,” junior Andrea Bonetti said.
However, not everyone loves the early kickoff.
“I roll my eyes for sure,” senior Sage Williams said. The joyful countdown for some can be an annoying interruption for others.
People believe Carey’s role in the holiday kickoff has earned her the right to claim the season’s start.
“She has the right, the right is hers!” Bonnetti said. “She is so inspiring and that’s it. Period.”
Yet when others see her commercial video, they push it back.
“Her songs are mid. I think there is a more religious reason we celebrate Christmas, not Mariah Carey,” Williams argues. He believes that the traditional values should determine when we celebrate Christmas rather than when pop culture tells us to.
Another defining factor in this Christmas debate is when individuals feel it’s time to decorate and listen to Christmas music.
“I started decorating October 5, and I never want to take them down,” Bonetti said. Some also feel as if decorating early helps the mood.
“I do my own thing.” Biology teacher Shana Buckley said.
“If I feel yucky, putting Christmas stuff up early always makes me feel better. Even the music is good. If you don’t like it, it still puts you in a good mood.”
For others, the date to decorate is based on the other holidays.
“I put mine up after Thanksgiving.” Williams said.
“It’s so much work, I put my Christmas tree up and that is it.”
This is a popular thing for many. Some like to fully enjoy thanksgiving before Christmas.
A final point is whether or not starting the Christmas season early detracts from Thanksgiving or even leads to a holiday burnout.
“Yes absolutely, but nobody really cares about Thanksgiving either,” Williams said.
Overall the Christmas movement comes down to whether or not it makes a difference in one’s mood. Early celebrators feel as if it helps you then one should do it.
“Anything that makes you happy is worth it.” Buckley said.
