Some argue that people should wait to celebrate Christmas until after Thanksgiving, while others can’t contain their Christmas spirit and kick off their holiday season early. According to most Academy students, Thanksgiving is just a day, while Christmas is a season: one that opens at the close of the spooky season.
It is very possible to acknowledge the day of Thanksgiving in the midst of celebrating Christmas as it is a time that brings immense joy and happiness in honoring the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Why isolate that feeling to just a day when it could be an entire season?
Some might say that jumping into Christmas so soon overshadows Thanksgiving, but it is important to recognize that Thanksgiving doesn’t require weeks of preparation.
Junior Katie Hoar said before Thanksgiving she had kicked off the holiday season to a lesser extent, with some light Christmas movies, decorations and a Christmas song here and there.
In addition, the holiday season is the biggest time of the year commercially. Many brands and businesses attempt to take advantage of such a jolly time, right after the stores tear down Halloween decorations they put up the holiday adornments. According to the National Retail Federation, “holiday sales for 2025 are expected to increase between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024.”
The main Starbucks holiday menu was released on Thursday, November 6 2025. Junior Chloe Saldin always looks forward to the unique new treats. She said,“I only get the sugar cookie drink because it is the only coffee I like and it puts me in the Christmas spirit because of the decorative cup and festive sprinkles.
Another new offering of Starbucks is the Glass Bearista Cold Cup along with a collection of other holiday themed merchandise. Customers of the franchise will wait in line overnight to be first, fighting for a chance to purchase that cup. It has become very popular on social media which has resulted in extremely long lines, intense frustration and a large rate of reselling.
In contrast to the intense and competitive consumption of goods, many find positive ways to give back. Everyone should know what it is like to unwrap a present on Christmas morning, gift-giving programs such as the Angel Tree provide gifts for children and elderly that might not have the most abundant Christmas.
Angel trees are commonly found at Walmarts and other local businesses where there will be a plethora of angels that have wishes, wishes that ask for a mix of basic necessities and gift ideas. Patrons can then go and purchase presents for the wisher and fulfill their requests, allowing them to receive items they want but could not necessarily afford.
Junior Catalina Bunch has engaged in a giving tree experience at her church. She described the experience as one that provoked her to feel very grateful for what she has, she noticed the children were asking for such basic requests like shoes and socks. It was a very rewarding experience to provide them with gifts and imagine the joy the kids might feel after receiving the present. Taking part in the Angel Tree is an act that begins before Thanksgiving, allowing for many wishes to be fulfilled.
Overall, celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving only enhances the holiday experience, it does not disregard a day of giving thanks.
