Here's when Canadians say it's 'acceptable' to decorate for Christmas and it may surprise you
Is it socially acceptable to start decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween? Or is that basically committing holiday treason?
To find out when it officially becomes reasonable to start decorating for the holidays, we asked Narcity readers the ultimate festive question: "What date is it 'acceptable' to start decorating for Christmas?"
With almost 600 responses in under 48 hours, it quickly became clear that this is a hot topic and Canadians have some very strong opinions about when it's socially okay to deck the halls.
From die-hard December traditionalists to people who would honestly keep their tree up year-round if they could, here's a breakdown of what Canada really thinks about the Great Christmas Decorating Debate.
Not before November 12
The most popular opinion, by far, was waiting until after Remembrance Day on November 11, out of respect for veterans. For many, it's not even up for debate.
"Not until after November 11, Remembrance Day! In honour of all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," one person explained. "It's just a matter of respect. Plain and simple."
Another added a similar note, "Earliest for us would be the day after Remembrance Day."
Many people specifically pointed to November 12 as the green light.
"November 12... and not before!!," a third said.
However, not everybody agrees. One person said, "It's no disrespect to anyone dead if you put them up before Remembrance Day. You can even put poppies on it for decoration!"
A second added, "Anytime you like! I'm respectful to our veterans all year long. We don't need to wait until after the 11th. They fought for the beliefs, values and freedom so we can do this. Light them up!"
Interestingly, not all veterans necessarily suggest waiting until after November 11, either. One person shared, "There has always been a lot of criticism and controversy over waiting until after Remembrance Day. They are two separate days with different meanings. As a veteran, and I know that I speak for many of my brothers, there is nothing I like to see besides excited happy children. Be respectful on November 11, but also let the children be excited moving into the Christmas season."
From December 1
A solid chunk of respondents still swear by a December 1 start. These folks are holding tight to the old-school vibes.
One person told us, "I'm old-fashioned, December 1," while another agreed, adding, "Having Christmas stuff on the go for months just pulls from the enjoyment. I shouldn't be sick of Christmas by early December."
A second said, "Dec 1st is always when I put mine up, but it's up to the person. Some people have different celebrations and traditions."
Depends on the weather
For those practical folks among us, getting lights or decorations up early is more about not freezing to death. Plus, sometimes they'll decorate inside and outside at different times depending on the weather.
One person explained, "I put mine up sometime after Halloween, whenever the weather permits. Light 'em up after the Grey Cup."
Another agreed: "Any time, but don't actually turn on lights until after Remembrance Day. I'd sooner have my stuff ready to go than be out in the middle of November in -30 just putting them up then."
A third said, "Any date that you're available to do it. Outside decorations have to be done before the ground freezes and the snow comes. Just get past Halloween!"
"In Canada, I'd say any time in October is fine. Days get dramatically shorter, and the weather is unpredictable. Even better if it can be Halloween and Christmas double duty with the same equipment!" said another person. And they're not the only one who tackles end-of-Halloween and start-of-Christmas in one go.
Straight after Halloween
Many Canadians agree that the end of Halloween marks the perfect time to transition into the holiday season.
"I decorate the day after I take down the Halloween decorations," one person told us.
Another said, "First week of November, take down Halloween and put up Christmas in the same breath."
"After Remembrance Day for outside. Or, after Halloween for interior decorations, but that's me. I am giving away candies for Halloween, but at the same time, I am slowly bringing out the Christmas tree for the next day's project!" said another.
Special dates
Some Canadians associate decorating with other significant days, such as the Grey Cup or American Thanksgiving.
"Grey Cup Sunday in our house. I decorate while my husband screams at the television," one person joked.
Another said, "After both the Grey Cup and American Thanksgiving are in the books, if you're super desperate to put them up."
"My wife puts them up while watching football on U.S. Thanksgiving," said another.
Late December
Then, of course, there are those Canadians who keep it super last-minute. We see you.
One person quipped, "December 24… take down December 26," while another said, "December 20, otherwise I'm sick of it before it even arrives!"
Somebody else said she just followed family tradition: "My parents put them up December 21 every year… and I just did the same."
Literally whenever you want
Some Canadians? They're just out here doing their own thing — no calendar required.
"We're a free country. Start in July if that is what brings you joy," one person responded.
Another kept it real with: "Whenever you want. Unless you pay for my life and mortgage, no one has a say in what decorations I put up when."
"Whenever you want. There's no Christmas police," somebody else added.
"If you like to decorate on November 1, go for it. If it's December 24, great. Do your own thing, regardless of what some might feel is an 'acceptable' time," said another.
The limit does not exist
And for some people, there is simply no such thing as "too early" ...or "too late" for that matter.
One Christmas-lover joked, "July 1. And it is acceptable to keep them up until June 30, because Canada is a free country."
A second simply asked, "Oh, we are supposed to take them down? Whoops."
"If everyone kept the Christmas decorations up all year, I wouldn't complain in the slightest," somebody else added.
So, when IS it acceptable?
For most Canadians, the sweet spot is after Remembrance Day, but honestly? There's no one-size-fits-all. Whether you're breaking out the tinsel on October 1 or waiting until the 21st of December, it seems the real rule is: do whatever feels right for you and your family.
Happy holidays, Canada! ...Too soon?
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