Every year, the Christmas season comes sooner and sooner. Not only does the time seem to pass faster and faster as we grow older, but Christmas displays hit the shelves earlier and earlier each year. While it seems that we skip right from spooky on Oct. 31 to festive on Nov. 1 and completely neglect turkey day, there are a lot of benefits when it comes to those festive items on the red- and green-clad shelves a little early.
One of the greatest benefits is the ability to plan. As someone who is permanently attached to my Google calendar and would have a minor panic attack if I misplaced my planner, Christmas gift planning helps take some of the stress out of the season of giving. I love shopping and I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong, but Christmas shopping can be a bit overwhelming. If I only had three weeks to shop for everyone on my list I would probably drive myself crazy. I already seem to wrack my brain for the perfect gift for my best friend and the best thing to give my nephew, and let’s not forget about my mother. What am I supposed to buy someone who deserves her own private island on a college student’s budget? Seriously, if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Giving a gift is such a rewarding feeling, something I genuinely enjoy doing. I love shopping for others. I just need a little bit of time to find the perfect gift for all of my loved ones.
Another great benefit of getting your shopping done early is the savings. Christmastime is wonderful for so many reasons, but one of the most underrated reasons is the holiday gift sets. For any makeup-lover on your Christmas list, a Sephora gift set or holiday release of any kind is guaranteed to be a hit. For any tech-savvy person on your list, you’ll be able to find great deals on everything from laptops to iPhones. The list goes on and on, but the holidays are the perfect time to find great deals on anything you’ve been eyeing lately. Another perk of the holidays is that some stores bring back layaway for the convenience of the shoppers. Whether you’re a college student, living paycheck to paycheck, or just a family with a plethora of gifts to buy, you’ll be able to pay for the items until Dec. 25.
Who doesn’t love celebrating Christmas as long as they can? Christmas has always been my favorite holiday for many reasons, but the unexplainable joy and cheer mixed with the idea of giving back and blessing others during the holidays is something that I am completely for prolonging. The season of spreading cheer should not be limited to only a month. The constant reminders of retail stores is welcomed because it makes people think. I know that when I start eyeing the red and green decorations and the “Ho Ho Ho” signs, a feeling of philanthropic love washes over me. The Christmas items on display are more than just a toy Santa on the shelf or a reindeer mug. They are a reminder to so many to reflect on their own favor and give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season.
Overall, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and I have no problem with extending it. Sure, stores might be crowded with gift ideas and all things festive and bright, but I see no issue with that. Getting a head start on Christmas shopping can only benefit in the long run, and I don’t mind seeing the reindeer and snowman figurines starting on Nov. 1. After all, who doesn’t love a little – or a lot – of Christmas cheer?
