As the winter months grow closer, Barons are wondering: How early is too early to start making a holiday wishlist? For many, it seems as if the second October ends, December begins. Although November is part of the fall season, the winter spirit is everywhere. Whether it’s gingerbread-themed drinks at coffee shops, festive decorations in the mall, or cozy trends on social media, holiday spirit floods Bethesda.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest promote this spirit — especially surrounding wishlists. B-CC Junior Evelyn Staub admits she’s already seeking inspiration, sharing, “I searched for ‘Christmas List 2025’ on TikTok and Pinterest.” Millions of creators on social media post holiday list inspiration and favorite past purchases. Gift hauls from last year recirculate, and “What To Ask For” videos fill everyone’s “For You” pages.
The seemingly never-ending videos on the subject can be quite influential — and addictive. Junior Juliet Cliche states, “I just doomscroll on those, and I’m like, wait, what should I put on my wish list?”
With the constant exposure to other people’s wishlists, it’s no surprise that people start planning so early.
Additionally, due to social media’s influence, many users ask for the same things. Trends like Stanley cups, Ugg boots, and popular merchandise are widely sought after, and the rush to get these items before they sell out contributes to the frenzy. Cliche mentions, “I need to get [the gifts] before everyone else does.” This raises questions about the toxic culture surrounding these wishlists. The constant comparison to others’ gifts on social media and the pressure to order things as fast as possible can make holiday shopping a stressful and rushed experience.
Overall, the sudden transition from spooky fall vibes to joyful festivities, combined with the endless exposure to influencers’ wishlists on social media, can cause many teens to rush to complete their holiday lists, with some even starting before Halloween. However, whether people plan their lists all year or don’t make one at all, one thing is clear: social media’s influence has turned a once casual shopping experience into a race for the items at the top of everyone’s holiday wishlist.
