As the leaves continue to blush amber and eventually meet their demise, the yearly cold front comes sweeping in. The tempestuous winds and occasional flurries often arrive hand-in hand with a reinforced festive mood.

For me, the time leading up to a big event like a holiday, a vacation or even just a function at the end of the week is far more exciting than the event itself. I love to plan. I love to curate outfits for whatever I’m doing. The same goes for holiday decorations; the anticipation is half the joy.

There’s a certain ambiance that settles over the months leading up to Christmas, and even though I don’t celebrate the holiday myself, that feeling is enough to rid anyone of a Scrooge-like attitude and cozy up with a copy of Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas. 

My bus driver recently decorated the entire bus from end to end in festive decorations: Snowflakes, reindeer, candy canes and all, not to mention the twinkling fairy lights that I swear actually fight against the cold. There’s still a significant amount of time until Christmas, but seeing Prancer and Blitzen surrounded by a warm glow every morning while I’m trying to brave the cold Indiana winds—even from inside the bus—does more than any down jacket could. 

Many people oppose decorating early, but if anything, I welcome it. All those premature, obnoxious ornaments and ugly sweaters can be summed up with one word: excitement. Personally, I would only decorate about a month in advance, but I don’t mind spotting festive window displays popping up in late October. They’re animated with an energy that can only be described as pure delight, and who wouldn’t want that?

Early holiday decorations contribute to a positive spirit by bringing warmth and color into the cold winter months, transforming otherwise bleak days into something brighter. When the temperatures drop and the winds turn sharp, the sudden appearance of pine-scented décor, evergreen wreaths and familiar festive characters offers a kind of emotional insulation. 

These small sparks of celebration break up the monotony of gray skies and early sunsets, reminding people that joy can exist even in the harshest seasons. Whether it’s a strand of lights wrapped around a porch or gingerbread men smiling from shop windows, these decorations create a sense of comfort and shared anticipation, a small reminder signaling all the joy to come.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Areeba Mahbub at [email protected].