It’s the most wonderful time of the year according to crooner Andy Williams – but when is it acceptable to start putting up decorations and getting merry for Christmas?
Stores have had their festive stock out on the shelves, in some instances, since summer but, with 72 days until Christmas Day, many Mancunians could be tired of the holiday before they’ve even opened the first door on their advent calendar, let alone when Santa arrives.
Selfridges opened its Christmas shop in late August – 142 days before Christmas Day – at its London store while Clintons in Solihull displayed Christmas cards in August.
And hotels have been advertising Christmas bookings since well into the summer months, while it has been possible to pick up mince pies and Christmas puddings from supermarkets for a couple of months now.
Therefore, MM took Manchester’s streets to ask:
When is the right time to start celebrating Christmas?
|
OPTION |
RESULT |
|
September |
4% |
|
October |
13% |
|
November |
59% |
|
December |
22% |
|
Christmas Eve! |
2% |
The general consensus was that late November is an acceptable time to begin Christmas preparations, with some citing the period around the American Thanksgiving holiday as the perfect time.
WHO DUNNIT? Kristina Nistoreanu wonders who is buying Christmas products in September
Kristina Nistoreanu, 22, a graduate from Romania, felt that the right would be the people who actually start celebrations as early as shops do. Kristina also said: “I am just wondering why someone would really buy them [Christmas products]?”
Although she doesn’t celebrate Halloween, Kristina believes that late October or early November is acceptable for starting celebrations.
Christmas for Kristina, like many, is a special time when family gather together: “I love Christmas so much, but September is too soon,” she said.
Retired Sandra Smith, 69, from Bolton, believed the true spirit of Christmas has been lost among the materialistic focus of the season of goodwill nowadays.
When speaking about stores bringing out stock in September, Sandra said: “I don’t like it it’s too soon –just too soon. We believe the spirit is lost and it’s very materialistic.
“Don’t take the Christ out of Christmas.”
CHRIST-MAS: The religious meaning is being lost for George and Sandra Smith
Sandra’s husband George, 65, also retired, believed that the traditional approach to the festivities the right way to go. He said: “Christmas starts at Christmas Day and lasts right into the New Year.”
George believed that Christmas has become almost a marketing ploy for businesses by starting their Christmas sales in September: “Shops forget about Christmas and by the time it comes around they’re thinking about something else,” he said.
For the pensioner, the principle of religion is being overshadowed by commerciality at Christmas and he buys into the stereotype that god is shopping and the high street is his church.
Student Stacey Henderson, 17, from Manchester, believed likewise but suggested a new way to begin the holiday festivities: “September is too early, October is too early. November is the best time and you can do Christmas fireworks and mix it in with bonfire night,” she said.
Offering an alternative view, Neil Brogan, 31, a customer service executive from Wigan, believes that there is no harm in selling products in September as long as supermarkets do it right.
He said: “I love Christmas, I countdown until they start selling products. I have a calendar of when all the boutiques start selling.”
Neil did, however, find issue with businesses starting the Christmas campaign so early: “There is too much build up. By the time Boxing Day comes, it’s all gone. It’s an emotional downer. It’s only about sales, not feeling,” he said.
Lecturer Caroline Jones, 37, from Eccles, found the same conclusion with a much more liberal view.
She said: “It’s just what happens in capitalism. They wouldn’t do it if there wasn’t a market.”
PRESSURE POINT: Franceska Iraci feels sorry for stressed parents
Franceska Iraci, 22, a graduate from Manchester who is about to start work on a cruise ship, said: “It’s too much, I love Christmas but that’s just too much.
“People have too much to think about. Like with children starting school in September, it’s too much pressure.”
Franceska also believes that children have lost the chance to ask for something special for Christmas when stores put out products in September.
She said: “Children will ask for trainers but they are the same things all year round to buy as presents.”
Tom Calford, 27, an I.T. technician from Frodsham, held the view that many of the public we also interviewed had and said: “Of course it is too early, but business is business. What else are supermarkets going to do?
“Obviously I would want to see them start selling later on, like November. It does make Christmas feel less special, all the build-up makes you tired of Christmas before it’s even arrived.
“But then, as soon as the day is over, they start stocking Easter stuff after a couple of weeks. It’s just silly to be honest. But it’s the way it is.”
Image courtesy of Sarah_Ackerman with thanks
