On my list of favorite things, right up there with shoulder rubs, Netflix comedy specials, and strawberries in June, is Christmas.
I started my Christmas shopping in mid-October and even compiled a list of gifts to hand-make, as any respectable half-elf, half-human would do. My obsession is something I inherited from my mother, who, a good three weeks before Halloween, asked me and my sisters what we’d like for Christmas.
I was prepared with answers, of course.
When Starbucks unveiled its holiday merchandise last week, I fell for it. I gravitated immediately to the reusable coffee cups. The shiny silver one reminded me of the feeling I get from looking at a Christmas tree. I decided I’d have to have it, despite my embarrassing history of letting old coffee sit and get crusty and gross in every single reusable cup I’ve ever had. This time will be different, I promised myself as I sipped from my literal cup of cheer.
But not everyone is this merry this early, if the social media backlash against retail décor is any indication. And the only reason my husband suggested a trip to the Christmas Tree Shop in Riverhead several days ago was the potential for a new shower curtain at a bargain price — not because he wanted to deck the halls already. We struck out on the shower curtain, but I was absolutely dazzled by the displays of decorations, and I got a pair of fuzzy socks out of the trip.
Speaking of Christmas trees, the Village of East Hampton is clearly on my side. The public works guys recently strung up the electrical extension cords above our heads for the lights on the trees that will eventually line Main Street. And the forecast this week called for snow, which somehow excited me even though it’s really way too early for snow still — which calls to mind climate change and all that, which would otherwise scare me. It might as well be December already.
There is at least one scientific study to back up the idea that early holiday decorating isn’t a bad thing. I will acknowledge that it’s a 30-year-old study so I may be reaching a bit here. In the Journal of Environmental Psychology, researchers concluded that “U.S. residents may use holiday decorations on their homes’ exterior to communicate friendliness and cohesiveness with their neighbors.” Those who decorate early may be attempting to appear more welcoming and to integrate themselves further into the community.
The real reason why I love early Christmas decorating and shopping and planning is that these actions stir up wonderful feelings of nostalgia. It puts me in a happy, altruistic frame of mind — and who doesn’t want to feel that way?
Ironically, we won’t be able to have a Christmas tree in the apartment again this year, but that’s a whole other discussion. Enthusiastic tree-decorator here for hire, in case anyone’s looking. Available immediately; will work for chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
Christine Sampson is a reporter for The East Hampton Star.