\n<\/p>\n
This post is also available in: It may sound ridiculous, but Christmas now seems to start in October. Not November, not after Thanksgiving, but October\u2014when Halloween decorations are still on display, and most of us haven\u2019t even begun thinking about the holidays.<\/p>\n At least, that\u2019s what seems to be happening in Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n 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\u2019m hearing about New Year\u2019s Eve events in October.<\/p>\n Christmas, it seems, can no longer wait its turn.<\/p>\n Not everyone sees this as a problem. For some, the earlier Christmas begins, the better.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For musicians and entertainers, it also creates opportunities to share their Christmas music with audiences over a longer period.<\/p>\n And in Puerto Rico, where we proudly celebrate one of the longest Christmas seasons anywhere<\/a>, extending the festivities might seem perfectly natural.<\/p>\n Others, myself included, would prefer that Christmas wait a little longer\u2014at least until after Halloween, perhaps even until mid-November.<\/p>\n Traditionally, many of us grew up with a holiday calendar<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n In Puerto Rico, the festivities would then continue well into January, through Three Kings Day and the Octavitas<\/em>. That extends to the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebasti\u00e1n in the 3rd week of January. We already had a wonderfully long Christmas season.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n But my concern goes beyond commercialization.<\/p>\n
\n
\n\tEspa\u00f1ol<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\nThe Case for an Early Christmas<\/h2>\n
But Can We Have Too Much of a Good Thing?<\/h2>\n