Christmas came early this year. As early as Deepavali, which was on the 31st of October. Yes, that early.

Christmas decorations were put up in parallel, whilst Deepavali was still being celebrated, and far from over. I kid you not. Shopping malls like ‘Avenue K’ could not and did not wait for Deepavali to be over so it could get on with its Christmas decorations. Aiyoh.

Don’t get me wrong. I like Christmas and Christmas decorations. There is an abundance of bright and beautiful colours. Twinkle lights, towering Christmas trees, tinsels, baubles, and beautifully wrapped faux presents. Also, merrily decked shops with plenty of gifts, and gift ideas for the occasion. Pop-up kiosks offering cookies, cakes, trinkets, and ornaments. And, yes, perky carols. Played on a loop to lift moods, and spread nostalgia, simultaneously. What’s there not to like? Decorations in KL’s shopping malls were done and dusted two months ago. And, to town/city, they went.

Like I’ve said before my favorite month is December, second only to March, my birthday month. There is, I feel, an air of lightness and festivity about December. And, of course, holidays. Back in the day when I was a student, school holidays were always in December. Seven weeks of freedom, starting November until the first Sunday or Monday of January, depending on which state you lived in. That wonderful feeling of not having to wake up early every morning, no homework and no preparing for exams. Even when there was nothing to do and no place to go, limbo was still better than school. And, this is me, who liked school and extra-curricular activities.

It was somewhat similar when I was working. Usually from the 15th of December, things/events/operations tapered down. Colleagues and business associates took their holiday and/or tried to finish their outstanding leave that could not be carried forward to the following year. There were parties and get-togethers. December was the month to tie-up loose ends, and hopefully start afresh in the new year. That’s how it was and/or has been for me.

This December, my heart is still heavy. It will be another celebration without my mum. Last year, my husband and I had Christmas lunch ala-Chinese vegetarian with her. The photo of the three of us laughing heartily will stay with me/us for a long, long time. Last year, I managed to make a reservation for Christmas dinner in middle December. This year, like all other things that came early, bookings for Christmas at most hotels were closed in early November. I was told if I wanted, I could be placed on a waiting list. Hmm. Obviously, there is a big demand for Christmas buffets, which by the way, cost hundreds of ringgit per head.

I also noticed that about two months ago, some brands started offering a range of craftily produced limited-edition Christmassy items from cosmetics, skincare, flasks to season-tempting coffee concoctions with names like Double Chocolate Peppermint and Toffee Nut Crunch Latte.  While I expect and look forward to gingerbread cookies, log cakes and gift sets with special packaging for Christmas in December, they were on sale in October and November. Also early were Christmas movies aired on Netflix. No complains from me. They are great pick-me-ups on less cheery, tumultuous days. Especially as they have dependable happy endings with eye candy heroes and heroines who are kind, decent human beings. Yay.

So, why so early?

It’s the ‘Christmas creep’ phenomenon. It was defined by Merriam-Webster as “the gradual lengthening of the Christmas season, with ever earlier displays of lights, wreaths, and decorated trees” that began in 2021 with the concern that the pandemic would diminish holiday sales. A year later, ornaments and menorahs were displayed alongside back-to-school supplies, and customers took notice—and while it’s a little jarring, many see the early access to seasonal decor as a plus[1].

‘For example, there could be Halloween decorations for sale as early as summertime or seeing Valentine’s Day cards, candy and decorations being up for sale the day after Christmas. There is nothing wrong with preparing in advance, but are we skipping certain holidays?[2] Sounds familiar.

‘Christmas creep’ did creep in earlier this year. That said, creeping happens for local festivals as well. Sometimes lavish decorations are displayed, a little too early, accompanied by too many months of nothing-new sales. FYI, my husband and I, spotted Chinese New Year decorations already in stores, which prompted him to comment ‘Christmas in not here or over yet, oi!’

I get ‘Christmas or holiday creep.’ Malls/retailers want to extend the festival/holiday season. They want more lead time to create excitement, offer more, sell more, and make more profits. But too much of the same-same over a prolonged period of time causes fatigue and fed-upness. Same décor. Same carols. Same promotions.

So how? Less is more. Later is better. Maybe.

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