Pastor Christo de Beer from the Volle Evangelie Kerk reflected on the question of when putting up the Christmas tree is too early.

“Christmas is a very special time of year for many people and their loved ones to celebrate joy, happiness, and peace. For a Christian, Christmas is every day because God’s gift to us, His Son Jesus Christ, brings this joy into our lives daily. That is why we live in gratitude every day,” Christo remarked.

For him, the start of Christmas is symbolised by family. In today’s rushed world, he noted that most families do not spend enough time together. However, during Christmas, families tend to reconnect and spend more time with one another – something he considers a blessing.

From a Christian point of view, he added, the message of Christmas must be celebrated every day – that God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from sin and restore the relationship between mankind and God.

He explained that many people begin putting up decorations as early as November to prepare for the festive season. However, most residents tend to start celebrating in December, though each person has their own sense of timing.

Christo said that as a Christian, he sees nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas early, but there are certain risks tied to its commercialisation.

Speaking on early decorating, he emphasised that this habit might distract from the spiritual meaning of Advent and Christmas. He described decorations as being more commercial, often used to drive income for businesses, which, for him, dilutes the true meaning of Christmas.

He noted that commercial pressure, including marketing strategies like Black Friday, pushes people to celebrate Christmas earlier. Such trends, along with the fast pace of modern life, can add unnecessary pressure during the festive season.

“The bright lights, decorations, and institutions that suddenly make more loans and money available make Christmas attractive and the thought of spending easier. Some people even go overboard with extravagance, but those loans and debts must be repaid. Before giving in to the temptation to overspend, focus rather. Don’t get caught up in the commercial spirit of Christmas,” he advised.

He also believes that celebrating Christmas too early is not always positive.

“Even though many feel there’s more joy in the air, it’s important to remind the community and congregation what Christmas is really about. The cheerful and excited atmosphere sometimes makes us forget the true meaning of Christmas. People tend to act recklessly in this season – in many ways,” he explained.

“When to put up the Christmas tree is a personal decision. Some people never take theirs down, while others, for religious reasons, don’t put one up at all. The point is that everyone must decide for themselves – as long as the tree doesn’t overshadow the meaning of Christmas,” he concluded.