Recently, controversy has risen over the “Christmas Creep,” a retail store phenomenon beginning in  the 1980’s that kickstarted the holiday shopping season  just after Halloween. While some believe that Christmas has completely overshadowed Thanksgiving, others feel that starting the Christmas season early has put them in a better mood.

In the argument against the “Christmas Creep,” many feel that it is an added stress as they feel the need to start shopping for Christmas before preparing their Thanksgiving meal. According to Global News, clinical psychologist Linda Blair explained that beginning the Christmas season early does more bad for someone’s stress levels than good. When repeatedly hearing Christmas music, especially when shopping, people get significantly more stressed out and even try to tune it out.

Additionally, many feel that the “Christmas Creep,” is starting to make people forget about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Over centuries, Thanksgiving  has evolved into a holiday used to spend time with family and friends, while giving people the chance to reflect on the past year and give thanks for all of the blessings in their lives. In more recent years, it has evolved into a holiday of quickly eating and getting on line at retail stores, or sitting by the computer in order to get discounted Christmas gifts.

On the other hand, many people enjoy celebrating Christmas early and actually feel that it evokes positive emotions and makes them more relaxed. For many, the holiday season is primarily filled with happy memories, like having off from school or work and being with family.  So, with the presence of  the Christmas spirit a little earlier, people are reminded of their good memories and are in a better mood.  Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, shared with Mental Floss, “Nostalgia helps link people to their personal past and it helps people understand their identity. For many, putting up Christmas decorations early is a way for them to reconnect with their childhoods.”

The holiday spirit also brings people together. According to a study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology, people who decorate their homes are traditionally seen as more friendly and decorations tend to spark more conversation among neighbors.

The “Christmas Creep,” has been around for decades and there is nothing stopping it now. Regardless, it is important to remember the true meaning of the holidays: spending time with family and friends and giving thanks for all of the wonderful things in life.