West Texans Divided Over Early Christmas Decorations

On the evening of October 30th, I was driving through the streets of Midland and saw a home displaying their Christmas lights on their home.

In West Texas, where the fall chill doesn’t always hit until late November, the question of when to hang Christmas decorations sparks debate every year.

Some residents start stringing up lights before the Halloween candy is gone, while others insist Thanksgiving should pass before the holiday glow fills the streets.

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How Early Is Too Early For Christmas Decorations?

Local retailers, such as Home Depot and Walmart, situated along Loop 250 and Highway 191, commence displaying artificial Christmas trees and inflatables as early as October, enticing shoppers to bring holiday cheer into their homes.

At Home in Odessa was also guilty of displaying Christmas decorations in their stores as early as mid-October.

Is this practice premature?  Are retailers responsible for enticing consumers to buy and decorate for Christmas in October?

When is the Best Time to Decorate For Christmas?

A YouGov study indicates that approximately 43% of Americans consider the weekend following Thanksgiving to be the ideal time for decorating.

This tradition resonates with the West Texas persona, which values awaiting the conclusion of family celebrations before transitioning from festive meals to holiday decorations.

However, there will always be those individuals who deem it perfectly acceptable to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

Read More: Pecan or Pumpkin Pie? West Texas Debates on Which is Better

No matter if you stick to the traditional practice of decorating after Thanksgiving or if you begin celebrating in October, we cannot forget one important thing.

It is all about the holiday spirit.