For many, the end of November doesn’t just mark the start of a new month, it marks the beginning of the Christmas season. This time, filled with twinkling lights, cozy traditions, and the promise of presents, seems to begin earlier and earlier as the years progressed, but its true start is often tied to a few traditions and a whole bunch of marketing.
The Unofficial Start
While the religious observance doesn’t officially begin until December 25, the cultural and retail frenzy often begins the day after Thanksgiving. This day, Black Friday, traditionally marks the start of holiday shopping.
Nothing marks the start of the holiday season quite like the music. Many radio stations will start to play Christmas music the week following Thanksgiving in the U.S.
The Official Start
For Christians, this season has a more formal and religious beginning: Advent.
First off, what exactly is Advent? “The Advent season is a four-week period in the Christian calendar that prepares people for Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas, while also pointing ahead to his promised return. Each Sunday of the season traditionally spotlights a key theme—like hope, peace, joy, or love—to invite reflection, prayer, and expectant celebration,” says Bible Project.
The first Sunday of Advent is the official start of the religious Christmas season. During Advent, many families use advent calendars, a fun, daily countdown with small pockets or doors that contain pieces of candy or small gifts. Some families may also light an Advent wreath.
No matter when you decide when the season truly begins, whether it be when the first snow falls, the moment the tree goes up, or the lighting of the first Advent candle, the start of Christmas is a universally recognized moment of shifting towards joy, generosity, and time spent with the people you love.
