I've let go of many traditions, but one I hold dear – why has it become trendy to set up the Christmas tree as early as November?
By early November, stores are already decked out for the holidays, and walking around the neighborhood, I see twinkling lights in many windows and yards. Of course, I’m not here to judge: as the colorful autumn fades, I also pull out my Christmas decorations. For me, decorating is less about the date and more about connecting with nature and the season’s vibe.
But there’s one thing I’m firm about: the Christmas tree. I’ve reinvented many traditions over the years, but since starting a family, we decorate the tree together on the 24th, just the three of us. For us, that marks the true start of the holiday, and changing that would feel like losing something special.
This Year, I Almost Wavered
As usual, my daughter came home from school in the first week of November asking, “Mom, when are we decorating the tree?” I could see how excited she was, especially since some classmates had already started decorating at home. I managed to explain why waiting was worth it, but for a moment, I wondered if we could bend this “rule.”
Especially this year, since we’re traveling between the holidays, meaning we’ll barely get to enjoy the tree’s glow. Still, I said no to my daughter’s pleading eyes and all those tempting fairy lights. I kept thinking that if we moved it up, something important would slip through my fingers.
The Hidden Message Behind November Celebrations
Over the past years, I’ve noticed early decorating becoming a global trend. Social media is full of perfectly decorated living rooms by early November, and many of my friends start decorating around this time—not just the living room or porch, but the Christmas tree too. They say it simply feels good. The lights, the scents, and the Christmas music all create a warm feeling that brightens the long evenings.
I can’t deny that, nor would I want to—because they’re right. The holiday spirit truly isn’t tied to a date. The nostalgia that lights and old ornaments bring is a psychological anchor, carrying the comforting illusions of safety, childhood, and closeness.
Maybe those who fully embrace Christmas in November aren’t just decorating—they’re opening up space. Not only for the holidays but for joy, intimacy, and family gatherings. The world around us often feels uncertain and unpredictable, so it’s a gift to add as much sure happiness to our everyday lives as we can. Plus, people are bravely shaping their own traditions and caring less about what others might think.
Why I Still Stick to December 24th for Decorating the Tree
For us, the tree isn’t just decoration or a task to check off the holiday list—it’s a family ritual. It’s the true start of slowing down and enjoying the season. That one hour when we’re truly together—drinking tea, eating cookies, listening to Christmas music, chatting, and hanging ornaments. December 24th isn’t about rushing or juggling school and errands. By then, everything is ready: all that’s left is calm, togetherness, and shared moments.
If I changed this tradition, I’d feel like I’m taking away a delicate, once-a-year special moment from us.
Also, Christmas keeps its magic in a family as long as children are around—at least that’s how I experience it. Our daughter will soon be 10, and while she’ll happily join the holiday buzz for a few more years, soon the shared decorating won’t be as important—or she might want to share it with someone else. Then we’ll have the chance to rethink this tradition, and maybe we’ll be decorating the tree in November too.
In the end, our holiday customs are about much more than when the lights or the star go on the tree. They reveal how brave we are in following our own rhythm. Neither way is better or worse—just different. And realizing that? That’s truly freeing!
