As a society, we seem to allow Mariah to start defrosting way too early, and All I Want for Christmas is for her to not be infecting my social media with that high-pitched “It’s Time” until the start of December.
Before Halloween hits every year, we all see that shops start getting their Christmas decorations up. I understand that for some, it’s to promote offers and to help people get into the mood for the next holiday season, but I want more of the Creep, not the Christmas.
Every year that I move back to Newcastle and have to do the first big Asda shop, I try to avoid any seasonal aisles. I go in with the list and get out as soon as possible. But this year was different. My best friend is my flatmate, and we decided to do our shopping together. It was the second week of September and all we could notice was the random influx of Christmas foods starting to appear.
Shops typically start playing Christmas music at the start of November, but for people – like myself – who don’t enjoy that genre, the idea of going to Asda without my headphones or customised playlists fills me with fear. I love Halloween so much – the films, the cute decorations, the autumnal energy – it all warms my heart. Halloween is when I start drinking hot coffee, not just iced ones.
I have to admit, I usually have my Christmas shopping done before December, but this is because I hate the crowds. It’s much easier for me to get everything bought online, pick it up in store and head back to the safety of the flat. I just want to avoid the awkward “sorry can I just squeeze past?” in the shops.
This overcommercialised season overshadows the others, and it really is a money-making scheme. If we could all hold off on the trees and songs until at least the end of November, a lot of people would be a lot happier.
