Early holiday celebrations stir controversy

By Hannah Kerlan 

Snowflake lights have made their appearance on Memphis’ Poplar Avenue, and the outlines of the Starry Nights light show are in full display. 

This can only mean one thing … IT’S TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON! * However, there is disagreement about when it is acceptable to begin holiday festivities. In a recent survey, students voiced their opinions regarding when to start celebrating the holidays. 

Thanksgiving celebrations have ended, and the majority of us (55%) are beginning holiday festivities, whether it’s breaking out the Christmas tree, putting the Menorah on display or switching our go-to coffee from a pumpkin spice latte to a peppermint mocha. 7% of students said they waited until Dec. 1 to begin holiday celebrations; however, the close of Halloween marked the beginning of the holiday season for 33% of respondees.
    
November is a controversial month for the celebrating community, with passionate turkeys remaining on both sides of the argument.  

“C’mon guys our mascot is literally a turkey. Can we back it up for five seconds before we start blaring the Christmas music? ... Not every second of every year needs to have a holiday.  Sometimes it makes those celebrations even more special when they are shorter,” one student said.   

While this argument is revisited every year by passionate “let’s begin now” folks and “let’s wait a little longer” celebrators, 2020 certainly swayed many decisions and opinions.

“I usually don’t start celebrating until after Thanksgiving, just because it feels wrong to celebrate so early.  I need to let each holiday have its own moment, but this year I just need some extra happy holiday spirit,” a respondee said. 

Whether you are just getting into the spirit or the spirit has already found you, happy holidays, especially to the 5% of you who have been celebrating all year long.

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