The festive season appears to be arriving earlier than ever, with celebrities like Amanda Holden already showcasing elaborate Christmas decorations in their homes. Holden, a star of "Britain's Got Talent" and a Heart FM presenter, shared a video on Instagram revealing her Surrey mansion fully adorned for Christmas, more than seven weeks before the holiday.
"We didn’t have much, but somehow Christmas always felt like we had everything. Even now, the decorations going up give me a lump in my throat," Holden explained her early embrace of the season, which she attributes partly to childhood memories.
Her home features extensive greenery, large bows, and baubles on the exterior, with twinkling lights and a decorated Christmas tree in the hallway. Holden is not alone in her early enthusiasm; other public figures such as Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona and actress Claire Sweeney have also shared their festive displays on social media.
This trend, dubbed 'Christmas-maxxing' by the celebrations chocolate brand that commissioned a survey on the topic, indicates a growing desire among Britons to prolong the festive period. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over a quarter have already begun decorating and listening to Christmas music, while 22 percent plan to watch holiday films.
While retail spaces traditionally start early, homeowners have typically waited until December. Traditional etiquette suggests decorating on the first day of Advent, which falls on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. However, this year, that would be December 1st. Some affluent individuals have historically waited until the last weekend before Christmas, which would be December 19th this year.
Data from UK Christmas tree supplier Balsam Hill suggests a shift in habits, with about 40% of people decorating in the first week of December, but a notable 17% start as early as November. Whinnie Williams, an interior designer for Balsam Hill, believes that the shorter days and colder weather encourage people to create cozy, joyful spaces with festive decorations.
Interior designer Caroline Montague suggests that the Americanization of Christmas traditions, influenced by events like Thanksgiving and Black Friday, may be contributing to the earlier start in the UK. Retailers aligning their Christmas displays with these American shopping events could be encouraging consumers to think about the holidays sooner.
For those seeking a balance, designers recommend a gradual approach. Williams suggests starting with autumnal or winter greenery, such as wreaths and garlands, and gradually adding elements like warm colors, natural textures, and eventually baubles and bows. This allows for a longer enjoyment of a festive ambiance without it feeling premature.