https://infogalactic.com/info/Christmastide

In medieval era Christendom, Christmastide "lasted from the Nativity to the Purification."[33][34] To this day, the "Christian cultures in Western Europe and Latin America extend the season to forty days, ending on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary on 2 February, a feast also known as Candlemas because of the blessing of candles on this day, inspired by the Song of Simeon, which proclaims Jesus as 'a light for revelation to the nations'."[35] Many Churches refer to the period after the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas and up to Candlemas, as Epiphanytide, also called the Epiphany season.[8][36]

The contemporary or ancient shorter season:

Christmastide begins very early on 25 December. Historically, the ending of Christmastide was 5 January.

Ever since after Halloween, I've been seeing people jump ahead to putting up Christmas decorations. Usually I would see people wait until after Thanksgiving, which roughly is around when Advent starts.

But is this being done backwards? The time leading up to Christmas is a time of darkness, waiting for the Savior (Jesus) to be born. So, some decorations might happen, but the spirit might be more solemn. Then, from Christmas to Epiphany, or to the Purification (February 2nd) is supposed to be a celebratory time, perhaps when Christmas lights should be out.

Then culturally we move to Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, or liturgically prepare to go back to a state of sorrow and mourning, for the time of Lent leading up to the Crucifixion on Good Friday; then again, is the celebration of "Eastertide" which is another long period of time like Christmastide which ends on Pentecost.

Eastertide is the period of fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.[2]

https://infogalactic.com/info/Eastertide

Thus, if Christians were to observe this rhythm of the liturgical season more, it would also affect other aspects of the culture more (I have in mind sporting contests - if people are fasting, it would seem like Christian athletes would not be able to perform at their highest levels during those time periods, which might require a change in how Christians relate to the world of sports)

Overall, I thought that since I see people extending the Christmas season now in the opposite direction, if I might question if it should not be extended in the opposite direction, which could have effects on how people perceive the wintertime (could Christmastide celebrations in January, help to brighten the "dull of winter"?)

What do you think of the season of Christmastide and how Christians might approach it in modern times, in relation to how our culture seems to be celebrating the season of Christmas?