One of the best times of the year is the Christmas season. Between the decorations, cookies, lights, music and fun pajamas, Dec. 25 brings more fun than any other holiday. The big question is: when should Christmastime start? Some say that as soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1, it is Christmas time. Others say not until Thanksgiving is over; let each holiday have their own time. Saint Louis University recently put up a Nativity scene made up of Christmas lights along Grand. SLU seems to think Christmas should start immediately. Do students at Saint Louis University agree? 

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but not everyone wants it to start just yet. Many people feel that Christmas should be put on hold until after Thanksgiving. When Halloween ends, they put up turkey decorations and wear pilgrim hats. They fully enjoy the autumnal, Thanksgiving-vibes in November. 

First-year Chloe Shumate believes Christmas celebrations should not occur until after Thanksgiving. 

“I think that Christmas has its own time,” Shumate said, “And that time comes after Thanksgiving. I like being able to enjoy the fall season and not have to worry about exams.” 

Many SLUdents, such as Shumate, feel that Christmastime brings stress and anxiety with exams. The students who want Christmas to wait feel that rushing into the season means they have to start studying sooner. Waiting for Christmas to start means students are able to enjoy November without feeling the stress of exams just yet. 

Another first-year, Matthew Wilmes, agrees that Christmas should wait until after Thanksgiving. 

“I love Christmas, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I really like being able to be with my family and spend time with them while we share a meal. I want to be able to fully appreciate the Thanksgiving season before I focus on Christmas,” Wilmes said. 

This is a common trend across many students who want Christmas to wait. They feel that they should be able to be thankful for all of November before they have to focus on putting up Christmas decorations, buying presents and starting to celebrate for all of December. 

Other students agree that Christmas should start the day after Halloween. Part of the Christmas season is taken up by exams, so the festivities should get to start earlier so they can be fully appreciated. Junior Madeline Gloriod thinks that Christmas celebrations should be allowed to start Nov. 1. 

“Some people wait all year for Christmas and it’s their favorite time of year,” Gloriod said. “I’m always excited to celebrate and want to prolong the celebration as long as possible. Personally, I am all for celebrating Christmas as of November 1, however I know many of my friends would disagree. You can catch me listening to Christmas music the first of November each year.”

Starting the Christmas season in November lets students fully appreciate the season before they have to focus on school work and exams. It also allows them to look forward to Christmas break. The Christmas season is many people’s favorite time of year, and many do not want to have to wait for December to start celebrating. 

By the time all the Christmas decorations have been put up and SLUdents are able to make their way back home for break, the holiday is almost over. It does not give college students enough time to enjoy the Christmas decorations and traditions their families have when they get back from break if they wait to start celebrating for Dec. 1. 

First-year Meghan Schaefer also likes to celebrate Christmas as soon as possible. “Christmas is the happiest time of the year. I like to be able to listen to Christmas music in November without feeling guilty,” Schaefer said. 

Starting the Christmas festivities in November also helps students brighten up the most challenging part of the semester. Once fall break is over and final-exam-season gets closer, it gets easier for students’ mental health to decline. Having something to look forward to, such as Christmas, helps students to keep a positive mindset for school.
The Christmas season is a time of year when family and friends are able to come together and show their love and appreciation for each other. It is a season of giving and helping others. Thanksgiving is a time of being grateful for all that we have. Both holidays are a great way to spend time with your loved ones and be appreciative for all you have, regardless of when you want to celebrate.