HomeGoods declares Nov. 1 the day to start decorating for Christmas

Every Halloween, kids go door-to-door to trick-or-treat and adults don costumes to pass out candy or grab a few drinks. And every Nov. 1, home decor fans start the argument anew on how early is too early to start breaking out the Christmas decorations.
As previously reported by USA TODAY, the annual viral debate is rooted not only in preferences and good fun, but in psychology as well. Some people may rush to set up that tinsel-covered tree because it invokes the warm fuzzies and fond reminders of simpler times past, while others may be more inclined to delay or forgo holiday decorating altogether to avoid conjuring some not-so-pleasant emotions and memories.
Of course, there are practicalities too. A real tree is less likely to survive and still look lush and full come the end of December when it’s cut and set up as early as Nov. 1. And, with other major holidays including Thanksgiving happening between the end of October and December, others aren’t so fond of the idea of skipping straight to snowmen and Santas.
One issue shoppers won’t have, however, is finding that holiday decor before the porch lights even dim this Thursday night. In fact, one store, HomeGoods, has declared Nov. 1 as the officially perfect time to start decking the halls, even going as far as opening an hour early on Friday.
On Tuesday, HomeGoods announced its own in-store holiday: “Deck the Everything Day.”
According to a press release, a survey conducted by HomeGoods found that 74% of holiday decorators say that they associate holiday decorating with joy, but more than half feel decorating before Thanksgiving comes with some level of judgment. This is where the brand said it wanted to step in.
Occurring on Nov. 1, Deck the Everything Day will see HomeGoods stores around the U.S. opening one hour early, at 8:30 a.m., to give shoppers extra time to fill their carts with newly released holiday decor.
There will also be a pop-up event in New York City’s Madison Square Park on Friday and Saturday, featuring a life-sized gingerbread house called the “Deck The Everything Day Headquarters.” The event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2., will feature Christmas decorating inspiration, holiday-themed activities and a chance to meet the campaign’s spokesperson, Kristin Chenoweth.
The brand is also hosting social media giveaways from Friday to Monday, including four chances to win a $500 gift card. To enter, customers should like and comment on sweepstakes posts on HomeGoods’ Instagram.
“For me, the holidays are all about family and creating new memories while cherishing our traditions from the past,” Chenoweth said in a press release. “One of my favorite holiday rituals is wandering through the aisles of HomeGoods for decorating inspiration. I get so excited that I can’t wait to have my family come over so we can deck the halls, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy a magical holiday playlist.”
Spend some time scrolling social media as November begins, and you’ll find impassioned decor opinions on both sides.
Those chomping at the bit to get the Christmas joy flowing are not afraid to share their excitement. They’re in good company, too, with celebs like the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey, sharing that she also breaks out the snowflakes and holly nice and early. This year, she even posted an ad for her new Christmas line on Halloween day.
Others simply can’t wait for that comfy cozy feel and to participate in their favorite traditions. With the stress of a contentious election season, the chance for a little escapism is at the top of many minds.
Others, of course, cannot stand the idea of the twinkling lights and candy canes going up too soon. Whether it be a general distaste for the holiday, a strong love for Halloween, Thanksgiving and/or all things fall, or simply a close-held belief that there is a proper time for everything, for each Christmas decorating fanatic, you will find detractor.
Some arguably have good points – especially when it comes to holiday music burnout or the dread of dropping that gift-shopping money.
Wherever you stand on the issue, one thing is for sure: like it or not, none of us will be able to escape the debate.