Some people are putting up Christmas decorations significantly before the holiday, with some starting in early November, even before Bonfire Night has passed. Claire Powell from Worsley, Greater Manchester, typically begins decorating in mid-November to maximize the enjoyment, stating that the twinkling lights create a cheerful atmosphere during dark, cold evenings.
Her family uses the same traditional decorations each year and has set up three trees. Joanne Kinsey, from Aughton, Lancashire, also puts her decorations up in the second week of November, explaining that it frees up busy December weekends for festive outings and gatherings.
She believes the decorations create a cozy, uplifting ambiance and she will have them displayed for about two months. In contrast, Peter Marr of Rochdale has been decorating his street, Wrenbury Drive, since the late 1990s, and it has become a local tradition with many houses participating.
While he puts the lights up early, they are officially switched on the first Saturday in December. The street's extensive displays attract visitors and residents now raise money for a local hospice.
However, not everyone agrees with the early start. Pauline Dolan from Liverpool prefers to wait until December for her indoor decorations, seeing her decorating day as a "romantic date" with Christmas music.
Mary Kenny also believes November is far too early, suggesting decorations should only go up in December, though she acknowledges that those who invest heavily in decorations might want to display them for longer periods.
