The Rise of "Christmas Creep"

As a Counselling Psychologist, I’ve noticed a growing trend: people are putting up their Christmas decorations and starting their Christmas shopping earlier each year. This phenomenon, often called “Christmas creep,” is more than just a quirky shift in the calendar—it’s a reflection of deeper social and psychological forces at play.

Why Is Christmas Coming Earlier?

There are several reasons for this early start:

• Retail Competition & Commercialisation:

  Retailers are eager to capture holiday spending, launching Christmas promotions as soon as Halloween ends. The commercial aspect of the season is hard to ignore, with shops, advertisements, and even online platforms pushing festive products and deals earlier every year. While this might seem harmless in the short term, it raises questions about what we’re really celebrating. Christmas is a special time for genuine connection, reflection, and togetherness, but it’s starting to feel like something else entirely.

• Social Influence & Social Comparison Theory:

  As more people share photos of their decorated homes and early shopping hauls on social media, others feel compelled to do the same. This is a classic example of social comparison theory, where we evaluate ourselves based on what others are doing. The power of social media amplifies this effect, making it easy to feel left behind if you haven’t yet put up your tree or started your shopping—even if it’s only November. It’s not hard to imagine a future where families are sharing Christmas tree photos in October!

The Impact on Well-Being

• Pressure and Stress:

  The earlier start to the Christmas season can create a sense of pressure to keep up, leading to stress and even financial strain. What was once a joyful, meaningful time can become a source of anxiety as people feel they must match the pace set by others.

• Effects on Children:

  Extending Christmas into November (or even earlier) can have a significant impact on children. The prolonged anticipation may dilute the magic and excitement of the season, making it harder for children to appreciate the specialness of Christmas when it finally arrives. It can also contribute to unrealistic expectations and materialism, as the focus shifts from meaningful traditions to commercial consumption.

Is This Sustainable?

It’s worth asking: how long can this “creep” continue? If the trend persists, will we soon see Christmas celebrations starting in October? At what point does the season lose its meaning and become just another commercial event? These are important questions for families and communities to consider as we navigate the evolving landscape of holiday traditions.

Finding Balance

While it’s natural to want to join in the festivities, it’s also important to pause and reflect on what matters most during this time of the year. Genuine connection, gratitude, and shared experiences are at the heart of Christmas. By being mindful of the pressures created by commercialis

ation and social comparison, we can make more intentional choices about how we celebrate—and help preserve the true spirit of the season for ourselves and our children.