The question that always comes up the moment Halloween ends: Is It Too Early for Christmas?
There’s no stopping it. The moment the clock hits midnight on November 1st, Mariah Carey begins to defrost. And who are we to fight it? “All I Want for Christmas Is You” becomes the unofficial anthem of the month, holiday drinks magically reappear at Starbucks, and suddenly the world feels just slightly more sparkly. Honestly? I’m all for it.
And if you’re someone who starts to feel the Christmas spirit the second spooky season ends, you are absolutely not alone. Between the quarter system chaos, biking through freezing morning fog, and the emotional rollercoaster that is midterms, early holiday joy isn’t just allowed — it’s practically essential.
The transition from October to November at Davis is… confusing. The sidewalks are still covered in crunchy Arboretum leaves, but Target already looks like Santa’s workshop. Your roommate still has their pumpkin collection out, but they’re also asking if you want to decorate your dorm with fairy lights “just to make it cozy.”
And honestly, can we blame anyone? The vibes shift overnight. As soon as Halloween ends, Davis moves from spooky to sparkly. The air gets colder, the mornings get foggier, and the desire to romanticize your walk across the Quad with a cozy playlist becomes impossible to resist. Early Christmas isn’t skipping fall — it’s filling the awkward gap between holidays with something soft and joyful.
For all those in the quarter system, you know that the quarter system doesn’t play. Midterms arrive before you fully learn your professor’s name. Assignments pile up like bikes outside Wellman. And no matter how hard you try, Canvas manages to surprise you with yet another due date you swear wasn’t there yesterday.
So yes — blasting Christmas music in early November after your third midterm of the week? Valid. Putting up lights in your dorm because the sun sets at 5 PM and your motivation is fading? Valid. Ordering a hot mocha from the South Coho in between classes because caffeine and comfort are a package deal? Extremely valid.
Let’s be real — Davis winters are cold, foggy, and sometimes straight-up gloomy. But there’s something magical about turning your dorm or apartment into a warm holiday nook. Stringing lights above your bed, studying at the Arboretum with a holiday playlist, sipping hot cocoa while waiting for the Unitrans — it transforms the season.
For many students, early decorating isn’t about rushing Christmas. It’s about creating comfort in a stressful environment. It’s about making your space feel safe and warm, especially when finals are around the corner and the days feel heavier.
So… Is It Too Soon?
Technically, yes. But practically? Not even a little.
If celebrating early brings you joy, calm, or even a five-minute break from midterm chaos, then do it — unapologetically. Joy doesn’t need a date, and comfort shouldn’t wait until December.
So if Mariah Carey has already defrosted in your heart, embrace it. Hang the lights, get the peppermint mocha, decorate your dorm window, and blast the playlist on your bike ride across campus.