Is It Too Early to Decorate for Halloween?

As the "dark times" close in (as us Outer Banks locals refer to the cooler months)... many of us feel that familiar tug to welcome the spooky season as early as the first day it dips below 70 degrees. I've been burning fall-scented wax melts since September 1st, put a couple pumpkins on the porch, and have a nice collection of mums blooming. And it is technically Autumn so surely, this is okay. But is it too early to start decorating for Halloween?

Personally, Halloween is probably tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday and as it's been a tumultuous year, I could use a little festive spirit - or rather some witchy spirit.

Surprisingly, statistics show that around 70% of Americans decorate for Halloween each year, with many starting as early as September. This celebration is growing in popularity, with decorations becoming a cherished part of the fall tradition for countless households. However, I haven't seen a lot of decorations out, despite the store aisles already preparing for Christmas at this point, so I've been holding off as well.

However, it's the weekend. It's almost October. And a lot of unfortunate stuff is going on in the world. So why wait for what brings you joy? That's right -- I'm looking at you Dollar Tree hanging ghouls. Add Hocus Pocus and some apple cider and that sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday.

When do you plan on decorating this year?