Why Are the Christmas Decorations Up So Early This Year?

Marge Steinhage Fenelon considers the idea that there's more than mere commercialism behind the impulse to decorate for Christmas early.

Today I remarked to my daughter that this past November 1 was the earliest I have ever spotted my first Christmas tree. Since then, it seems, the number has grown exponentially and now — mid-November at the time of this writing — I see trees and Christmas decorations in houses all over the place.

Why is that? I am sure that commercialism plays at least some part, perhaps a large part. But my sense is that there is something more to it. At least I would like to think of it that way.  

Shorter days 

It is not lost on me that three things are coinciding right now. The first is obvious. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer, diminishing the amount of natural light we experience each day. Whether we realize it or not, this influences us since human beings are naturally inclined toward light. If you are like me, you find your mood shifting at this time of year to a more subdued demeanor. For some, it becomes serious enough to cause depression and anxiety.  

A chaotic world 

The second also is obvious but less so. As a nation, we are moving through a tumultuous time of uncertainty and concern. The economy has been unfavorable, making it more and more difficult to sustain our families. There are divisions over ideologies and political viewpoints. There are threats to world peace international relations. All of this can place a blanket of hopelessness over us, leaving us searching for a way to find happiness.  

The human soul yearns for God

Finally, the human soul yearns for God. We are made that way and even though many manage to ignore the yearning, it remains. We were made for God; we are his children no matter how hard we try to hide from him. A wise priest once told me that people engage in pleasure seeking behavior because in truth they are searching for God. Thrill-seeking behavior with its danger and excitement gives us a high that supplants the joy of God’s love. 

So, I wonder if the early Christmas decorations are the result of the combination of lack of natural light, anxiousness in a chaotic world, and the yearning for God’s love. To be sure, at this time of year all Christians await the coming of the Savior. Even non-Christians look forward to Christmas because it is a time of joy, gifts, and celebrations.

But there is momentum here, and I believe that is a great opportunity. As Christians who understand the real meaning of Christmas, we can consider the decorations as a call to prayer and sacrifice.  

A new meaning  

Wouldn’t it be amazing if, whenever we see the sparkling lights on the Christmas trees and houses, we were reminded to pray for the people inside? Think of the impact it could have if we uttered a quick, spontaneous prayer asking that the people who put up those decorations would be led to a deep(er) love of Christ? That they would come to know and believe the Truth? It need not be more than a few words (we all are pinched for time these days).

God knows what is on our hearts even without any words at all. Perhaps we can be instruments in answering the yearning for the Light. Then Christmas would have a whole new meaning for all of us.  

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Marge Steinhage Fenelon
Images: Canva