Are schools and companies decorating for autumn too early?
Well before the Fourth of July, Costco already put up Halloween decorations for the spooky holiday. On Thursday, Aug. 22, Starbucks welcomed back their iconic pumpkin spice latte, marking it as the earliest release date of their fall menu. The dream of autumn connoisseurs, and the rapid march in of fall-themed commodities begs the question, “When is it appropriate to start celebrating autumn?”
Scientifically, the start of autumn is marked by the autumn equinox, an event that usually occurs around Sept. 22. Still, many individuals and businesses are keen on rushing the season, opting to start the festivities while summer is at its peak. Living in a city that doesn’t have the tell-tale signs of autumn, such as the color change of leaves and cool, dry wind, autumn is purely experienced through the festive atmosphere created by the people and places around us. Whether that’s the introduction of fall-themed items in businesses or the pumpkins already sitting on our neighbors’ porches.
Upon surveying students, staff, and some people around the community, roughly 50% of them said September was the appropriate time to begin welcoming the season. Perhaps it’s because we live in a beach town, but it appears that many of us like to cling to the very last days of summer before seeing the start of fall. Leah Enerva ‘27 said, “I think the appropriate time is… [the] end of August, more so September because we’re in school and as high school students, we’re not celebrating summer in August.” Enerva also said, “the weather and the trends and school [are what] makes it feel like fall.” Students are not the only ones who believe Autumn starts around September. VHS librarian, Farima Farokhi said, “I feel like [autumn should be celebrated] after Labor Day. [Autumn is signified when] the Halloween decorations start coming out in stores, and people start planning apple picking and things like that.”
To us, the start of autumn festivities is not a problem, rather it becomes controversial when it interferes with the duration of summer. Welcoming autumn in July or early August, ruins the appeal of summer. For many students, the start of fall is synonymous with the start of school, and introducing the cozy season so soon in the year serves as a reminder for students that their free time is coming to a close. Not only does that bring anxiety for school and autumn to start, but it greatly lowers the enjoyment of summer as a whole since students are left with the overshadowing thought of school.
Students who dislike celebrating fall early, argue that fall should be celebrated with holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Graham Kantor ‘27 said, “When I think of fall I think of Halloween and Thanksgiving so I think fall should be celebrated closer to that time as well.” Kantor also said, “ I like to celebrate by decorating for Halloween, like buying pumpkins, cobwebs, and fancy squashes.” Even though he celebrates fall later than most, he still believes in the traditional signs that fall is coming like leaves falling and changing color. Kade Bouvet ‘25 said, “Once the leaves change color it’s time to celebrate [autumn].”
While autumn remains one of the most comforting times of the year, marked by warm drinks, pumpkins, and spices, when it should be celebrated remains a polarizing subject. Some believe that autumn should come as soon as possible, immediately after the end of summer in August. Arguing that such an amazing season should be celebrated for as long as possible. Others disagree, believing that autumn should start when the associated holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving get closer. Whether one believes autumn should be celebrated earlier or later in the year, one thing is clear: autumn is a season that many welcome with open arms, but it should not be rushed. Rather, we should enjoy our summer days and greet fall when it comes, whenever we believe that may be.
