Kmart fans hit back over common Christmas criticism: 'We are happier'

It feels like every year, more and more retailers are selling Christmas decorations and decor earlier and earlier. But I'm not here to be a Grinch about it. I actually love seeing people get into the festive spirit.

I love seeing the cute little decor items, the Christmas pudding mugs, things like Kmart's Magical Lighting Wand that lets you light up the tree with just a swish and flick, or the advent calendars that are everywhere right now. But there's always someone out there who doesn't like fun. Like many people, I'm pretty much ready to start decking the halls, and I don't plan on listening to anyone who tells me it's too early.

When is the 'right' time to decorate for Christmas?

As it turns out, I'm not the only one wanting to get into the Christmas spirit early.

Aussie DIY expert and stylist Cheryl from @ourcountrycoastalhome - who recently impressed her followers with her gorgeous Christmas display using an unexpected $12 Kmart item - told Yahoo Lifestyle that a lack of time is why she decorates for the festive season as early as October.

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"Both my husband and I work full time and every year we’re the people that would go shopping two days before Christmas and have to buy everything at double the price or buy whatever is left on the shelves (if anything is left) and I always felt so bad for not creating beautiful little spaces for our son to enjoy," she told us.

"I thought if I start early and do bit by bit every weekend or when I have time, I’ll end up with a more completed decorated space comes closer to Christmas… it’s a decision I made last year and was really determined to do from now on. Starting early for us has to do with nothing else but lack of time."

It's a sentiment echoed by fellow Kmart fan Corinne Mayfair, who recently shared the sweetest festive set-up for her daughter's bedroom on TikTok. As someone who loves decorating early, she pre-empted any hate, writing alongside her video, "Any 'it’s too early' comments will not be accepted 🫶🏼 Christmas magic really does start with us."

In the video, which is sure to melt the heart of any Grinch, she wrote, "POV: Creating core Christmas memories for your daughter."

'The tree is up on the first of November'

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Corinne says she usually starts decorating for Christmas on November 1, "The tree is up on the first of November and then progressively we ‘deck the rest of the halls.’ I find spreading out the decorating process can alleviate the last-minute rush, making it more enjoyable and less overwhelming."

She explains that she and her family often travel in December to visit relatives and didn't want to decorate the tree only to be able to enjoy it for a couple of weeks.

"It just didn’t make sense to me to put in the effort to decorate a beautiful tree and then only be able to enjoy it for maybe two weeks," Corinne tells us. "We made the decision when our eldest daughter, who is now 8, was about 3 years old that we would put the tree up on November 1. My parents also lived in the Philippines for quite a few years. They have something called 'The -Bers' where they celebrate Christmas through September, October, November and December.

"The weeks are flying by and Christmas will be here in no time at all so this year we decided (I say we, but I mean me..) to start decorating in late October. I mean, studies do show that those who decorate early are happier!"

She's not wrong! A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that decorating early brings up the warm and fuzzy feelings from childhood. They also said that decorating outside of your home can mean you're viewed as friendlier and more approachable.

'Never too early'

Thankfully, it would seem most people on TikTok and Instagram were supportive of Corinne's decorating, with many saying they "loved" it.

"It’s never too early!!! I just started putting all my stuff up today!" one enthusiastic commenter shared.

"Never to early 😭 my trees going up Nov 1st [I don't care]," another agreed.

"I already finished Christmas shopping! 🎅🏼🎄❤️," a third added.

"Love this! We already put out tree up too. We can’t wait," someone else wrote.

'Always shocked'

Corinne shares that she is often surprised by people's negative reactions to her decorating before Christmas, saying, "I must live in such a Christmas-loving bubble as I’m always shocked when people make comments like 'it’s too early' or 'it’s mid October' or 'it’s not even Thanksgiving or Halloween yet.' I was born on Christmas Day so I tell them that it’s my birthright to start the festive celebrations early!"

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If you're nervous about the judgement you might receive from decorating early, Corinne has some wise words for you: "Decorating early allows you to savour the Christmas spirit longer and spread joy in your home and community! You do what works for you."

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