When the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 1, Halloween is officially over. Costumes and memories are tucked away in boxes as the month changes. But once plastic pumpkins and construction paper bats go out of style, what comes next: Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Due to the popularity of Christmas, it’s more common to see string lights and inflatable reindeer in November than one might think, rather than turkey decorations or anything Thanksgiving-related. Stores are stocked with Christmas items, while radio stations play Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé.
When asked whether November is Thanksgiving or Christmas season, Ezra McGloin, a senior English major, responded, “Thanksgiving.” Yet even still, people do not seem to have the same level of excitement for Thanksgiving as they do for Christmas.
“I work retail, so we’re at a point where we’re gonna [hear] Christmas music in the stores,” McGloin said. “I think in popular culture this is definitely Christmas time.”
One key component of the popularity of Christmas is its cultural effect. Unlike Thanksgiving, which is mainly celebrated in the United States, Christmas is largely celebrated worldwide, making it an annual global phenomenon.
“Since my dad is from Spain, we usually go [there] during Christmas time, and, like, obviously they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain,” Claire Puchades, a junior nursing major, said. “I feel like Thanksgiving should be celebrated, but I just don’t think it’s as celebrated because Christmas is just bigger in other countries.”
Some may even feel indifferent to the whole Thanksgiving vs. Christmas debate.
“I kind of just see it as the holiday season. I don’t really think it should be one way or the other,” Mikalena Closi, a junior communications major said. “I have no strong feelings about it, you know? It’s just the holidays, and that normally lasts from about the end of Halloween till, like, right after New Years.”
Additionally, there is also the possibility of a middle ground. Perhaps November could be the month where Thanksgiving and Christmas shine together — both holidays have their charm. Thanksgiving is well-known for its variety of foods: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and so much more. Oftentimes, people look forward to the food more than the actual holiday.
On the other hand, Christmas is a global celebration. There is a buildup to the holiday — children look forward to opening their presents on Christmas Day, and many people watch Christmas movies such as Elf and Home Alone with their families.
“I think November, until, like, halfway through, is Thanksgiving, and then even before it hits Thanksgiving, I feel like it’s time for Christmas,” Puchades said. “I feel like it should be Thanksgiving, but Christmas time is such a short time because it’s just December, so I feel like November and December is Christmas.”
Whether you’re on Team Gobble Gobble or Team-Ho-Ho-Ho, both holidays deserve their flowers. Either way, both involve getting with your family and enjoying the time together.
The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com
