Jessica Booth / CC
It’s the age-old question, when is the right time to put up your Christmas decorations?
Unlike America, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October.
So, as soon as the calendar turns to November, many people switch from the spooky season and get into the Christmas spirit.
But there is one important day in Canada that changes the conversation of when it is appropriate and respectful to put up your Christmas decorations.
That day is November 11th. Remembrance Day.
Tony Bendel, a Canadian Veteran, feels people should wait to put up their decorations until after Remembrance Day.
“It’s a respect thing, and there’s lots of time for Christmas after, you know November 11th, is that one time of year, we’re only asking for a few minutes on that one day. Don’t shadow it by Christmas season.”
Tony prefers to wait till December 1st to put up his decorations but feels as long as people wait until after November 11th, then it’s fine.
“I’m enjoying it right now, I kind of go out, usually at night, and grab a tea at Timmie’s and take a drive round. I’m enjoying looking at the lights, even right now. But I’m fine. Even after Remembrance Day, if they waited till November 15th, and did them. Anytime after then, I’m fine, it puts a smile on my face too when I see them.”
Molly Kristoff, a local cashier, has to deal with the chaos of Christmas shopping. And with all of the nice November weather that there’s been, she’s noticed people taking advantage of it and putting up their decorations.
“I’ve seen people put up their Christmas decorations on nice days after Remembrance Day, and I’ve also seen them put them up before Remembrance Day. And when I ask them why they put them up before Remembrance Day, they say that Veteran’s appreciate Christmas too so it shouldn’t matter.”
Jessica Booth / CC
To each their own when it comes to putting up Christmas decorations, there are no rules to follow, but to Tony, him personally, it’s about respect.
“Your freedom is to put them up whenever you want. And that’s what the Veterans say, that’s why they did what they did, it gave me that freedom to do it. So, it’s not a real big deal, it’s just more on a personal level … I find it respectful if you wait till after November 11th.”
Molly’s stance on putting up Christmas decorations falls along the same line as Tony’s, she feels people should wait until after November 11th.
“Yes, Veterans do appreciate the holiday, but it’s better to appreciate those who save our country before any holiday.”
Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but for those who do, there aren’t any specific guidelines to follow when it comes to putting up decorations.
In Canada, Remembrance Day is what Thanksgiving is like in America, it’s planted in between Halloween and Christmas, it gives a bit of a break between the two holidays.
It doesn’t mean people can’t put up their decorations before, but it’s a sign of respect to wait until after.
But again, to each their own, whether it’s November 1st, December 1st or anywhere in between, putting up Christmas decorations is a choice to each person, there’s really no right answer.
