It’s only October, and already, Christmas decorations are popping up, holiday playlists are sneaking into shops, and the countdown is officially on.
For many, it feels like jumping the gun. If you’re someone who won’t even think about putting the Christmas tree up any earlier than December 1st, I only have one question…
Is one month really enough time to celebrate?
I’m here to defend bringing the festive vibes in October because, let’s be real, we’ve only got 84 days until the big guy in red shows up.
So before you catch yourself scowling at the reindeer-shaped bath mats in Kmart, hear me out. Here are all the reasons to start getting in the festive mood from today!
Stress-free Christmas shopping
We’ve all experienced frantically rushing around in mid-December - or in my case, Christmas Eve - battling crowds in malls and stressing over last-minute gift decisions.
Seeing Christmas items in stores now is a gentle reminder to get organised early.
By spreading out your shopping over a few months, you’ll avoid the last-minute financial freakout and the chaos that hits right before the big day.
It might feel early, but there are only 12 weeks to go - calculate how much that is with your paychecks, and you’ll see what I mean.
For all you savvy shoppers out there, starting your planning early means you can snag all the best deals leading up to the holidays. And who doesn’t love saving some cash?
Counting down to the end of the year
Let’s be real, this last quarter of the year tends to draaaag. Having a countdown to something positive and seeing the festive season creep in can spark joy for many.
And it doesn’t have to be just about Christmas Day, it could be a work party, wrapping up the year at uni or maybe the kids finishing school for some family time.
It’s really just a reminder that the year is winding down and a well-deserved break is just around the corner. The sooner we start the countdown, the longer we can soak up the good vibes - until we have to do it all again next year, lol!
Seeking the positive side of silly season
Christmas can feel overwhelming and stressful, but it doesn’t always have to be like that.
There are plenty of positives to give you a serious serotonin boost - like the fact we get to celebrate in the beautiful warmth of summer.
One US psychoanalyst revealed in 2019 that putting up your festive decorations early can make you happier.
Another 2015 study in Denmark showed people Christmas-themed images while their brain activity was monitored. The result? A rapid increase in brain activity.
While the study says “there is no exact ‘happiness’ circuit in the brain, the overall neural pathway activation points to an overall emotion of wellbeing.” - which, in my book, means bring on the warm fuzziness of festivities!
Though Christmas isn’t always easy for everyone, It’s important to remember that’s okay too.
The holiday doesn’t need to follow any rules – like starting in October - it's your chance to celebrate however YOU like! Whether you meet friends or do something just for you, let the season fuel your soul.
Have I managed to convince you yet?
