Many of us have long suspected Christmas creep – the festive season beginning earlier every year – to be real, and now it’s been proven.
A recent analysis of figures from major supermarkets, local news bulletins and the UK Top 40 chart provides vindication for Grinch-like grumblers. Cold hard data now supports the theory that Christmas songs, decorations and merchandise are appearing earlier and earlier (in the UK at least).
But, lining the pockets of mince pie manufacturers aside, what if there was good reason to stretch out the festive period?
After all, the long nights and cold days are nature’s invitation to hunker down and embrace the fallow months. Our circadian rhythm implores us to rest, reflect and to rejuvenate.
To do so could even be a rebellion against the relentless march of modern life, which demands us to doggedly plough on. For some, Christmas emerges not as a relief but another stress. But it needn’t necessarily be that way.
Here are five reasons, from reconnection to the richness offered by ritual, to consider stretching out the festive period.
