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It may sound ridiculous, but Christmas now seems to start in October. Not November, not after Thanksgiving, but October—when Halloween decorations are still on display, and most of us haven’t even begun thinking about the holidays.
At least, that’s what seems to be happening in Puerto Rico.
Christmas concerts are taking place as early as the first weeks of October, with several more scheduled throughout the month. Christmas albums are being released earlier, and stores and other businesses have already begun filling the air with holiday music. For the first time, I’m hearing about New Year’s Eve events in October.
Christmas, it seems, can no longer wait its turn.
The Case for an Early Christmas
Not everyone sees this as a problem. For some, the earlier Christmas begins, the better.
After all, Christmas is a season of joy, family gatherings, traditions, and wonderful music. Why not enjoy it for a few extra weeks? An earlier start gives families more time to prepare, attend concerts, decorate their homes, and get into the holiday spirit.
For musicians and entertainers, it also creates opportunities to share their Christmas music with audiences over a longer period.
And in Puerto Rico, where we proudly celebrate one of the longest Christmas seasons anywhere, extending the festivities might seem perfectly natural.
But Can We Have Too Much of a Good Thing?
Others, myself included, would prefer that Christmas wait a little longer—at least until after Halloween, perhaps even until mid-November.
Traditionally, many of us grew up with a holiday calendar that gave each celebration its own place. October belonged to Halloween, November to Thanksgiving, and Christmas began taking center stage toward the end of November.
In Puerto Rico, the festivities would then continue well into January, through Three Kings Day and the Octavitas. That extends to the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in the 3rd week of January. We already had a wonderfully long Christmas season.
Of course, businesses have a financial incentive to start the season earlier. More weeks of Christmas shopping, concerts, and promotions can mean more revenue. For those concerned about the commercialization of Christmas, this trend provides another reason for unease.
But my concern goes beyond commercialization.
What makes Christmas special is partly its anticipation. We look forward to hearing those familiar songs, seeing the decorations, enjoying the traditions, and gathering with family and friends. There’s something magical about a celebration that comes only once a year.
If Christmas music becomes part of our everyday surroundings for three and a half months, does it eventually lose some of that magic?
Are We Enhancing Christmas—or Diluting It?
Perhaps starting Christmas in October brings more happiness to some people. Perhaps it provides additional opportunities to celebrate our traditions and enjoy the music that is such an important part of Puerto Rican culture.
But I can’t help wondering whether extending the season too far risks making Christmas feel less special.
After all, even the most wonderful things can lose some of their appeal when they become too commonplace.
So, are we enhancing our Puerto Rican culture and the spirit of Christmas by celebrating earlier—or are we slowly diminishing what makes this season so exceptional?
