Some are already trading their time at the pool for pumpkin carving, as Halloween items flood store shelves earlier each year.
The presumably premature appearance of fall-scented candles, spooky skeletons, bats and other decorations was recently denounced by social media users.
“I think the Halloween decorations start coming out in August. Can’t we just enjoy the summer while we can (?),” posted one woman on X.
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Another user wrote: “I don’t remember leaves ever falling in August or Halloween decorations ever coming out in July. What exactly is going on here?”
“Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween. BUT not too early for general fall decorating,” said one woman.
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One user commented: “Your obsession with making the years go by faster is so annoying, why are you putting up Halloween decorations already?!”
“They had already put up the Halloween decorations in early July. Too early,” said another.
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One user posted: “We were having a discussion about when to switch to fall decor and Halloween decor. I said the weekend after Labor Day.”
“Fall isn’t until September 22nd and I’m very upset that I have to wait so long to put out my Halloween and fall decorations,” one woman posted.
One woman pleaded, “There’s still over a month of summer left. Put away the Christmas decorations and Halloween candy. Let’s enjoy the season we’re in instead of always fast-forwarding to the next one.”
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Stephanie Samar, a New York-based clinical psychologist who specializes in mood and anxiety disorders in children, said that while there is “no inherent problem” with putting out Halloween decorations as early as possible, in society, looking too far into the future can trigger anxiety in some people.
“Fear takes us into the future, but it takes us into a future that is scary,” Samar told Fox News Digital last year. “We think we messed up because we didn’t prepare in some way. We’re going to be OK, but that’s not what our minds are telling us when we’re feeling stressed or anxious about something.”
Samar pointed out that the introduction of Halloween decorations, candy and costumes can make some people feel like they have already missed the boat and are, in some ways, unprepared.
“The reality is that if we don’t have a Halloween costume and we cobble something together, it’s probably OK,” she said. “But that’s not our view. … When you see the costumes around you, it can make you feel like you’re behind.”
Samar suggested developing a “one thing at a time” mentality and focusing on what is happening “in the moment.”
“Is this a current or a future problem?” Samar suggested people should ask themselves. “Is it (important) to pick out a Halloween costume, or is it about making sure I have enough stuff for back-to-school?”
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Check the facts, Samar said. Ask yourself, “Do I have evidence that I’m not prepared for the future? Have I ever been unprepared for Halloween (or any other moment)? Analyze your facts before you worry.”
“If you’re really struggling with stress and anxiety,” she added, “I would recommend talking to a therapist. They can review and challenge helpful thoughts.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Samar for further comment.
Some shoppers said they are already gearing up for the spooky season. One man posted on X: “Seeing Halloween decorations in the stores is the only thing that gives me hope that one day this summer heat will be over.”
“I’m trying to hold back. The stores are full of Halloween and fall decorations. I can’t wait to get my stuff out. Fall and Halloween are my favorite times of year,” one user commented.
Another person posted: “My fall/Halloween decorations are coming out early this year.”
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“I need Halloween decorations too. Never too early,” said one woman.
One woman explained, “I used to work in retail and our warehouse was always open for the upcoming season. I’m sure most stores have Halloween and fall decorations in stock and are getting more Christmas items every day!”
“Ok, you were cool in the summer, but now I’m ready for fall and Halloween decorations,” said another.
The first day of autumn is Sunday, September 22nd.
Halloween falls on a Thursday this year.
Nicole Pelletiere of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Source of the original article: Halloween decorations are creeping onto store shelves as social media users react: “Can we just enjoy summer?”
