Of all the things women are teased about, one of the most irksome has to be our enthusiasm for ushering in fall—even if that means doing it far too early for some people’s taste. It’s amusing how something as harmless as decorating with pumpkins and cozy scarves sparks such strong opinions. Social media is flooded with hilarious memes and videos poking fun at those of us who can hardly wait to light our beloved pumpkin spice candles or track down that perfect acorn-shaped decoration at HomeGoods. Honestly, it’s like society revels in criticizing women for simply seeking joy in their lives.
But let’s get real for a moment: is it *ever* too early to embrace the spirit of fall? The best voices on this topic are the moms within our own circles. Whether you’re someone who’s ready to decorate as soon as summer bids farewell or you prefer to wait for that first sip of a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, remember: you’re absolutely allowed to cherish what makes you happy. If adorning your space with fall decor fills your heart with joy, don’t hesitate to kick-start the festivities whenever you feel like it.
Even the most ardent fall fans have their own opinions about when—and how—to start decorating for this season that so many of us adore.
September 1: The Recognized Start Date
It seems the consensus among many moms is that while the timing of autumn decorating is ultimately personal, September 1 has emerged as an unofficial beginning.
“I know everyone says you can decorate for fall whenever you want, but let’s be real: September 1 is the day. Anything before that feels like overkill,” shares Caroline R., a 39-year-old mom of two.
For Grace W., a 37-year-old mom of two, September 1 is practically a no-brainer: “I didn’t even realize this was up for debate! If you start decorating before then, you’ll probably be tired of it by the time fall rolls in.”
Dana V., a 33-year-old mom, agrees: “September just feels like the right time to kick things off, even if the official start of fall isn’t quite here yet.”
It seems that for many, the arrival of September is a signal that the autumn decorating season has officially arrived.
Start Small, Then Build Your Autumn Wonderland
For some moms, the approach to decorating is about pacing. Starting small means you can ease into the fall aesthetic without feeling overwhelmed.
“I love using functional fall decor, like my pumpkin mugs and cute placemats,” says Sandy L., a 38-year-old mom of two. “I usually bring those out when the school year kicks off to lift everyone’s spirits, but I wait until mid-September for actual pumpkins.”
Then there’s Rachel T., who remembers not even realizing fall decorating was a thing until recently. “I used to think everyone went all out for Halloween, and I wouldn’t even touch those decorations until right before. Now, I’ve learned to dip my toes into fall with a few minor touches in September before going full-blown for Halloween.”
Hannah R., a 36-year-old mom of three, has her own unique twist. “I’ve got a glass pumpkin that holds a candle, and that comes out on September 1. I also start lighting my favorite fall candles then, but I wait to bring out anything more elaborate until October.”
Fall Vibes vs. Halloween Spook
For many, fall is lovely and cozy, while Halloween brings a different kind of energy. Moms commonly draw a line around what kind of decorations appear when.
Sarah H., a 40-year-old mom of two, puts it simply: “I start decorating for fall in early September, which means pumpkins and leaf garlands, but I wait until October for the Halloween-themed stuff.”
Julie P., a 35-year-old mom of three, feels the same way: “I love fall and all its warm vibes, but I don’t crack out the Halloween decor until mid-October. My fall stuff stays around until Thanksgiving before I switch gears.”
The Case for Keeping Fall Up Through Thanksgiving
Most moms concur that whenever you decide to start decorating for fall is completely up to you. However, there’s some universal agreement: why not let those fall decorations linger a little longer?
“I don’t mind when others put up their fall decor, but it bugs me when it’s taken down by November 1,” says Jennifer L., a 40-year-old mom of two. “Thanksgiving is all about fall themes and cozy vibes!”
Carly S., a 42-year-old mom of two, echoes this idea: “I have a friend who decorates for fall right after the Fourth of July and is switching to Halloween by September. By November, she’s burnt out! It should be about enjoyment, so why rush through all of it?”
In the End, Do What Makes You Happy
At the end of the day, there are moms out there who just want everyone to celebrate joyfully—whether it’s sipping on a pumpkin spice latte in the middle of August or draping leaf garlands over everything in sight.
“Honestly, who cares? Everything’s chaotic enough; why not enjoy your pumpkins?” says Tracey W., a 44-year-old mom of three.
Abby G., a 35-year-old mom of two, has a warm perspective on the issue: “Fall is such a cozy season. Anyone complaining about it being too hot for fall decor just hasn’t lived through a southern summer where it doesn’t cool down until late October!”
Ultimately, the decision on when and how to embrace fall is yours. Whether you start early or prefer to take your time, what matters most is that you find joy in the season.
Image Source: Unsplash
