Has Christmas started arriving before we've even finished enjoying the year?
I don't know about you, but somewhere around October, Christmas seems to start creeping into everything.
The decorations appear. The advertisements begin. Christmas gift suggestions arrive in your inbox, and suddenly we're being encouraged to think about December when November has barely had a chance to introduce itself.
Don't get me wrong. I like Christmas.
But could we perhaps enjoy November first?
Apparently, I'm not alone. A 2024 Australian shopping survey found that 62% of respondents thought Christmas merchandise appearing before October was premature.
So it seems quite a few of us would appreciate Christmas waiting its turn!hen did looking forward become rushing forward?
There is something rather lovely about anticipation.
Looking forward to Christmas lunch, catching up with family, taking a holiday or simply enjoying a few days without the usual routine can be half the fun.
But there's a difference between looking forward to something and feeling as though we should already be preparing for it.
And it turns out psychology has something interesting to say about this.
The psychology of savouring
Psychologist Fred Bryant has spent years researching something called savouring.
It's the ability to consciously notice, appreciate and enjoy positive experiences.
And here's the interesting part: savouring isn't just about living in the moment.
Researchers describe three ways we can enjoy life's positive experiences:
Anticipation: enjoying something before it happens.
Savouring the moment: appreciating an experience while it's happening.
Reminiscence: looking back and enjoying the memory.
In other words, a lovely Christmas lunch can bring pleasure while you're looking forward to it, while you're eating it, and months later when you're remembering it.
Although, depending on who's cooking, the anticipation may be considerably more relaxing than the actual event!
So what's the problem with Christmas in November?
Well, perhaps there isn't one.
If decorating your house in October brings you genuine enjoyment, that's wonderful.
But if you're feeling bombarded by Christmas messages, shopping reminders and endless suggestions about what you should be organising, the experience may be rather different.
The distinction is whether we're choosing what to look forward to or simply being swept along by everyone else's timetable.
And this is where I think the research offers a useful reminder.
We don't have to sacrifice our enjoyment of today to look forward to tomorrow.
November deserves a little attention too
Here in Tasmania, November has plenty going for it.
Longer daylight hours, spring growth, birds carrying on with their usual territorial arguments, and the occasional opportunity to sit outside with a coffee without needing three layers of clothing.
Well, depending on the day!
These aren't necessarily spectacular occasions. They're simply the small experiences that can be easy to overlook when our attention is already racing towards the next big event.
And perhaps that's what makes savouring such an interesting concept for healthy ageing.
It isn't about filling every day with excitement or making every moment meaningful.
Sometimes it's simply noticing something enjoyable while it's happening.
So, am I cancelling Christmas?
Absolutely not.
I'll happily enjoy the Christmas carols, the celebrations and the excuse to catch up with people.
But I'm also quite happy to leave some room for November.
After all, there are still several perfectly good weeks to enjoy before the Christmas pudding makes its appearance.
Christmas can have December. I'm still enjoying November, thanks! 🌿
Research reference
Bryant, F. B. (2021). Current Progress and Future Directions for Theory and Research on Savoring. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 771698.
