When do the holidays start, and what time is Christmas time?

Sure it’s officially celebrated December 25th, but the season lasts much longer. Recently, Christmas decorations are for sale even before Halloween, and lights are up on houses in early November.

As stores stock Christmas decorations, people start buying and decorating for December 25th even before Thanksgiving. The holiday of gratitude is glossed over in favor of a longer lasting Christmas season.

“It’s ok to start preparing for the Holiday season in early November, and even ok to start listening to Christmas tunes around November 20th, but the actual decoration shouldn’t start until after thanksgiving,” said Senior André Dugas.

The earlier and earlier Christmas season isn’t an accident.

It’s called “Christmas Creep.” And according to time.com, this has been an ongoing phenomenon since the 1980’s. Generally, this occurs due to corporations trying to extend their selling period over the holiday season.

Walmart announced that November 1st will mark the beginning of “eight weeks of deep savings.”

By extending the selling period, stores try increase exposure to holiday products, and in turn maximize profits. This Christmas, don’t let corporations turn your season of giving into the season of early buying, enjoy the holiday season for what it is, and don’t turn Christmas into a corporate sellout of a holiday.