This week’s Henry Hype has me coming back to a subject I ponder about every year, when the appropriate time to put up Christmas decorations after Halloween is.
Growing up, my parents instilled in me not to get too festive before Remembrance Day. I remember decorations making the slow trip up from the basement, but nothing major happened until late November.
In later years, I quickly learned people shared the opinion that Christmas decorations should wait until after Nov. 11 to respect soldiers and their sacrifices.
As recently as last week, I shared a funny photo on social media where a character had decorated their home the day after Halloween and someone commented to tell the fictional character to wait. (The show was American, so they don’t commemorate Remembrance Day like we do.)
Robynne Henry The Henry Hype
As a genuinely curious person, hence why I became a journalist, I reached out to veterans and asked their opinions on this subject.
I wanted to know if the agreed upon public opinion was actually based on the people who it claims to be, or if it was just an assumption.
The overwhelming response I heard from the veterans I spoke to was they didn’t care about Christmas decorations going up, what they actually cared about was people showing their support by attending Remembrance Day ceremonies and parades, or volunteering at a local legion.
Instead of chastising someone for putting their Christmas tree or lights up too early, show your support for the brave men and women that fight for our freedoms.
Not just for a couple of hours on one day out of the year, but as often as you can. They deserve so much more than we can offer, and shouldn’t be reduced to a reason to stop people from getting into the festive spirit so soon after Halloween.
On the 11th day of the 11th hour of the 11th month, we all stop to think about everyone affected by wars. We remember the men and women that didn’t come home to their families while fighting for our freedoms, and those currently enlisted doing the same.
Since I asked my questions, I’ve attended events on Remembrance Day and wore a poppy. It’s the least I can do, but I want to show my support.
I haven’t put any Christmas decorations up yet, mainly because I haven’t bought any yet.
But, I probably wouldn’t have decked the halls if I did have any. While I love Christmas, early November is just a little too soon for me.
