Holiday hullabaloo saturates consumers in decor
Now that Halloween is over, it’s time for one of America’s favorite holidays. The question is, is this holiday Thanksgiving or Christmas? While people’s opinions vary, stores have certainly made up their minds. This is evident through the number of candy canes, gingerbread houses, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus decorations lining store’s shelves. While Christmas decorations being put out this early can provide a “jolly” feeling, it may take away from the familial traditions of Thanksgiving, upsetting turkey devotees. Although Thanksgiving is loved by many, it may be better off not getting much play, given its tragic history. Should stores roll out Christmas decorations this early instead of cherishing the season’s current holiday, Thanksgiving?
The early appearance of Christmas decorations in stores brings joy to not only children, but most who celebrate. The sight of festive lights, ornaments, and other holiday themed displays brings a sense of nostalgia, and memories of past celebrations. The presence of holiday decor serves as a visual reminder of upcoming festivities, building anticipation. It allows people to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season earlier, fostering a sense of community as individuals come together to share in the collective joy. Additionally, the early availability for this decor provides time for families to prepare for yearly traditions during the holiday season. This ultimately brings a sense of warmth and happiness and helps families bond together over their excitement for the holidays.
Though family is indeed an important aspect of the holiday season, one may argue that Thanksgiving provides an even clearer focus on this value. A holiday loved across America, Thanksgiving draws the short straw because stores put out holiday merchandise immediately after Halloween, if not, before. It can lead to a premature focus on Christmas, diverting attention away from Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. Those that love Thanksgiving feel overwhelmed by the rush of Christmas lovers, and are almost forced to join the jolly feeling and ignore the November celebration. Ultimately, stores’ obsession with Christmas decor takes away from the importance and gratitude that comes along with Thanksgiving.
Although loved by many, the historical complexities regarding its connection with the colonization of Indigenous lands should cause hesitation about whether this holiday is one worth celebrating. Many Native Americans feel that Thanksgiving is a white-washed holiday, given the background and true history behind it. Christmas decorations being put out early can help people pivot to a universally known and more inclusive holiday. By prioritizing Christmas decor, stores can promote a sense of unity and goodwill that fosters an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that can be enjoyed by almost all people of all backgrounds, given its mercantile foundation.
It’s assumed that everyone enjoys the Christmas season and all of the merchandise shoved into people’s faces as soon as they enter stores, but many seem to overlook the fact that there are those who don’t celebrate this holiday. The appearance of Christmas decorations in stores this early can limit buying options for those who don’t celebrate. It’s constantly seen that stores prioritize the holiday, and most of the products available have an emphasis on Christmas, along with the other holiday merchandise dominating the shelves. Those who don’t partake in this holiday sometimes struggle to find a diverse range of products that they desire. Along with that, the pressure to stick to the holiday theme can create an environment where people who don’t celebrate feel overlooked in the consumer world.
As the fall season comes to a close and winter approaches, it’s inevitable that stores will be pushing as many Christmas decorations as possible. That being said, the joy that surrounds the shops during this early part of the holiday season certainly spreads to almost everyone that enters the store. Although the Thanksgiving holiday is constantly overshadowed because of this, it may be for the best. Fluffy turkeys and corn stalks will never beat the truly magical feeling that comes with candy canes, snowmen, and Santa hats that cover stores' floors.
by Haniya Mecci
Published November 27 2023
Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue II