Are you preparing for Christmas too early? A debate breaks out on GMB as panellists argue about the right time to get into the festive spirit

After the spooky season ended on October 31, festive fans are already preparing for Christmas – but is it too early to get into the spirit?

This morning a debate broke out on Good Morning Britain over whether Christmas has arrived too early this year, with presenter Danielle Mason and former gymnast Lisa Mason clashing over when is the right time to get into the festive spirit.

While Lisa argued that some families simply couldn’t afford the early cheer amid the cost of living crisis, Danielle said Christmas cheer creates a “positive” atmosphere.

The debate comes after Brits slammed another ITV daytime show, This Morning, for airing a Christmas segment at the end of August – before the school holidays had ended.

But as retailers in Britain promptly published their Christmas adverts on November 1, some people have argued that it is simply too early to open up Quality Streets and cover their dining tables with mince pies.

For Lisa, the Christmas spirit can ‘linger’ if you decorate your house too early. She said: ‘You walk into your house that’s been decorated for two months – for some people three months – and it just becomes the norm.

‘I work with schools and I work with children and I know they can get excited in the run-up to Christmas and I feel as such it is becoming a longer period of excitement.

“I feel like a lot of people who decorate early do it for themselves and not necessarily for the kids.”

On the other hand, Danielle said there was “nothing wrong” with enjoying a good feeling, especially since it boosted the country’s economy.

‘We’re sitting here in this beautiful Christmas environment and all I’m getting is good vibes, I’m already looking forward to Christmas.

‘It’s great for the economy because remember, we had two years of terrible Covid-19. Everyone is trying to get back on their feet, so we support all of that. The children get excited.”

Ben underlined her point by questioning how children would be expected to keep their ‘energy’ up on the long road to December 25 – which is less than two months away.

“If you start now,” he began. ‘You have to build and build and build. Christmas Day, December 25, is still a long way off. Fifty-two days even’.

Former gymnast Lisa Mason (pictured) argued that some families simply couldn’t afford the early cheer

Danielle beamed, “Yes, but you have all that to look forward to.”

She explained that in the long run, “everyone would be a lot happier” and that two months of cheer would be justified.

Lisa, however, remained unmoved, adding that while she celebrated Thanksgiving with her half-American daughter, it was far too early to indulge in the Christmas festivities — a habit she learned from her own mother.

“I remember as a kid my mom would never put up the tree or anything until Christmas Eve,” she recalls.

‘I remember coming downstairs and the whole house was completely changed and it was magical to me. My memories of Christmas are wonderful’.

Finally, she thought about her finances, as keeping the Christmas lights on for two months would likely run up a big bill.

The guests joined Good Morning Britain hosts Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins (pictured centre)

“It gives people a longer window to buy gifts,” she added. ‘People are spending more money because they have a longer period in the run-up to Christmas.’

Danielle said limiting spending until just before Christmas would leave her “paralysed.”

In August, TV presenters Andi Peters and Rochelle Humes came to This Morning to present a special Christmas segment, which left viewers far from impressed.

Viewers were amazed when Rochelle started promoting a whole selection of seasonal Christmas food and gifts already available in stores across the UK.

The episode took place on the last day of August, a time when many families are still believed to be on summer vacation, and as one person honestly put it, “Ah here. They’re talking about Christmas on #ThisMorning. We’re still in bloody August.’

During the episode, celebrity makeup artist and host Bryony Blake took a deep dive into all things Christmas.

Even more surprising was the list of department stores and supermarkets she listed that have already started decorating their interiors with various Christmas decorations and even Christmas trees.