Halloween is barely behind us. In fact, there are still lingering spooky decorations to be seen around base housing. But despite the calendar displaying barely November, it feels like the Holiday season is encroaching quickly, extremely quickly.
Arguably, Minot weather around this time of year does lend itself to snuggly sweaters and hot cocoa. The desire to snuggle up on the couch watching a feel-good holiday movie is likely stronger than other parts of the country. Even as we all await the first quality snow, and the season of thanks, we also can feel the Christmas season approaching at warp speed whether we like it or not.

Based on a poll the Northern Sentry Facebook page gathered, (42%) of 246 Minot AFB community members agree that the appropriate time to decorate your house for the Christmas Holidays is November 1st, the day after Halloween. Only 58 people (24%) voted that the best time to decorate is AFTER Thanksgiving and not a second before.

If you are Team “Don’t Skip Thanksgiving” or Team “Life’s Too Short to NOT have Holiday Decor”, it does seem like Christmas is coming sooner and sooner every year. For example, there are several holiday markets, craft shows and Christmas events both on- and off-base in the next week!

It’s almost as if, since Thanksgiving is later into November this year, it is cutting the official Christmas season shorter than usual. People are overcompensating by making everything happen right now and throughout November instead of waiting until December. A few iconic Minot holiday events are sooner than you may think.

The Downtown Winter Wonderland Open House is November 8th, from 10am-5pm. In this delightful downtown celebration, they boast, “great sales, treats, gift basket drawing, and activities at each location! The perfect time to get started (or finish!) your holiday shopping!”

Light Up The Scandinavian Heritage Park is November 16th at 5:30pm. The holiday twinkling lights at the park will shine brightly. They say it is a “magical evening to kickstart your holiday spirit!”

The Magic City Discovery Center is hosting Chopped: Holiday Edition on November 20th, from 2-4pm. It is said to feature an “artistic twist on the cooking show, only this time with the magic of the Holiday Season!”

If it’s Holiday spirit you want now, there are plenty of opportunities to start your cheer early. If you want to wait until the “proper” time after Thanksgiving, there are also plenty of things still happening then too. The famous Holiday BCPKC Holiday Train will arrive at the Minot station on December 17th, and much more. Whichever way you like to celebrate, enjoy the Holiday season your way!