Christmas in November: Why the Holiday Season Starts So Early and What Consumers Think

With Halloween just wrapped up, November has barely begun yet Christmas decorations and brands rolling out their Christmas-themed products, radios and shops playing their holiday playlists, and social media feeds filled with gift and decor ideas; I have to question if this trend of starting Christmas easy is growing year after year. So why is this happening, and what do people think about it?

Let's examine why the Christmas season starts earlier than ever, how brands approach it, and what customers think about jumping into the holiday spirit in early November.

Why the Early Start?

The early arrival of Christmas has both consumer and business-based roots. Retailers have noticed that many people want to start holiday planning and shopping earlier. This behaviour shift was amplified during the pandemic when shoppers began holiday shopping as early as possible to avoid stock shortages and shipping delays, and maybe people needed a jolly pick me up after 2020. Therefore, retailers took note and decided to launch holiday campaigns as early as the start of November. Extending the holiday shopping period has proven beneficial for businesses, giving them more time to attract buyers and allowing consumers more time to plan and spread their holiday spending.

In addition, online shopping and the rise of seasonal influencers have contributed to the trend. Influencers often launch holiday gift guides, decor ideas, and themed content by early November, building excitement and fueling early holiday purchases. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest see a surge in holiday-related searches as early as mid-autumn, encouraging brands and creators to dive into Christmas content earlier each year.

Holiday Marketing Strategies in Full Swing

The commercial push toward an early holiday season is in full force across major retailers, with brand rolling out their Christmas promotions way before December. Many stores offer "early Black Friday" deals, and popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon have begun running 12 Days of Deals" and other countdowns to the holiday shopping rush. These early deals aren't just about offering discounts - they're designed to generate excitement, drive early engagement, and secure purchases before the competition heats up in December.

For example, department stores like John Lewis and Tescos start curating their festive displays and gift collections by the first week of November. Additionally, brands are getting creative with social media campaigns focusing on festive DIYs, early gift-planning tips, and limited-time deals to encourage followers to get into the holiday spirit sooner.

Consumer Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

Some may welcome Early Christmas cheer, but it doesn't resonate with everyone. Social media reactions are often mixed, with some consumers embracing the early start and others expressing frustration at the holiday overload. Starting in early November gives those who love the holidays more time to enjoy the festivities, decorate, and shop without feeling rushed. Others, however, think the constant barrage of holiday-themed content can be overwhelming, overshadowing other November events like Bonfire Night.

Data from Social media polls and trends suggest that people fall into two groups: those who embrace the early Christmas season and those who wish retailers would hold off until later in November. The blend of enthusiasm and displeasure toward early Christmas marketing highlights the importance of striking the right balance for both brands and consumers.

Joining the Festivities Without Overwhelming Audiences

For brands, there's a value in embracing the early holiday season, but it's essential to approach it thoughtfully to avoid "Christmas fatigue". Here are a few ways brands can keep their early holiday marketing festive without overloading their audiences.

1. Ease into Festivities: Rather than jumping in with full holiday messaging right after Halloween, brands can gradually introduce holiday themes. For instance, November can focus on warm, cosy themes and hints of holiday prep without full festive imagery.

2. Create a "Pre-Season" Experience: Offering sneak peeks of holiday products or exclusive early access to gift guides gives consumers a taste of what's to come without overwhelming them. Many shoppers enjoy the privilege of previewing holiday items early.

3. Offer Practical Tips and Inspiration: Instead of promoting products, brands can share helpful holiday-related content, like decorating tips, budget-friendly gift ideas, or holiday recipes. This adds value and helps engage audiences without pressuring them to buy.

4. Build Anticipation with Teasers: Similar to movie trailers, brands can build anticipation by releasing teasers for their holiday campaigns. Sneak peeks, countdowns, and exclusive "first look" content create excitement without going all-in too soon.

In Closing: Is Early Christmas Marketing Here to Stay?

As consumer behaviours and marketing demands shift, the early start to Christmas may become the new norm. For many, it's a welcome extension of the festive season, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and cheer as the days grow shorter. For others, a more restrained holiday season would be preferable, leaving room for other autumn events.

Whether you're an early decorator or a last-minute holiday shopper, one thing is clear: Christmas in early November is here to stay, and brands will continue finding creative ways to engage audiences eager to celebrate. For those ready to jump in, the holiday season has officially arrived - and for those who prefer to wait, the festive spirit will be waiting until they're ready.