In late October, I faced a challenging time when my partner was hospitalized due to septic shock. It was a frightening ordeal, filled with uncertainty about whether I would lose someone so dear to me. For 22 days, she was in a hospital an hour away, and during those drives, I found myself tuning into Christmas music, even if it was still October.
I understand that many people cringe at the thought of Christmas tunes before December. However, during such a difficult period, I needed something uplifting. With a pandemic looming and my partner in treatment, I found solace in Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Surprisingly, it helped.
I soon realized I wasn’t alone in this sentiment. According to Christmas retailers, a significant number of people are eager to embrace the holiday spirit earlier this year. By November 14, some retailers were reporting sellouts of decorations.
Liam Carter, the founder of Evergreen Creations, a prominent producer of artificial trees and holiday items, shared with the Arkansas Gazette that “holiday decor sales have skyrocketed across the board.” Since July, sales at his company have surged by 50% compared to last year, with some days seeing increases as high as 200%. This trend isn’t limited to the U.S., as online sales have also risen in the UK, France, and Germany.
Big box stores are experiencing a similar uptick. Emma Jenkins, a merchant specializing in holiday decor at Home Depot, informed the LA Times that they anticipated a busy holiday season. However, they were taken aback by the impact of the pandemic. “Year after year, we’ve seen growing interest, but this year, the demand is unprecedented,” Jenkins noted. “We’re noticing strong online sales of Christmas trees and lights. People aren’t just shopping early; they’re buying more than ever.”
However, kicking off the holiday season early in 2020 comes with its own set of challenges. For one, online retailers are running low on stock much earlier than usual. To put this into perspective, searches for holiday items typically start in September. Yet, Pinterest indicated that users began pinning Christmas ideas as early as April. Yes, you read that correctly—April! While people were still celebrating Easter, they were already looking for 2020 Christmas inspiration. Searches related to gift ideas, recipes, and decorations were up by 77% that April compared to the previous year.
The challenges don’t end with demand; shipping has also become a major hurdle. I can’t speak for everyone, but receiving deliveries during a pandemic can be quite a hassle. What used to arrive in a couple of days now takes weeks, and it seems holiday decorations aren’t getting prioritized for fast shipping.
“The country simply doesn’t have enough shipping capacity,” explains Carter in the Gazette. “It’s not just about hiring more drivers or getting more trucks; sorting facilities are at their limits, causing delays. I advise everyone to buy their Christmas gifts now because last-minute shopping might not work out.”
So, here’s the reality check: you need to start shopping for holiday decorations now. In fact, it might already be too late for some items.
For me, a person who loves the holidays and used Christmas music as a comfort during a tough time, I’m excited. I can’t wait to set up my tree as soon as I finish this article. For those of us who can’t wait to dive into the holiday spirit, this is our year! Don’t hesitate, and don’t feel guilty about putting up decorations right away.
If you’re someone who thinks decorating early is akin to dining out too soon after food poisoning, I understand. However, in 2020, you’re in the minority. With everything turned upside down, we all need a little extra joy this year. So if you can get your decorations shipped in time, go ahead and start celebrating early!
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Summary:
As the holiday season approaches, many are breaking traditions by decorating earlier than usual, driven by a desire for joy during difficult times. Retailers are reporting unprecedented sales in holiday items, with many running low on stock. While demand is high, shipping delays add an extra layer of complexity. For those who love the holidays, now may be the best time to start decorating, despite the traditional norms.