Sydney comedian’s September Christmas tree sparks nationwide debate on decorating timing

A Sydney comedian has ignited a nationwide conversation after posting a video in September declaring that he will set up his Christmas tree to lift spirits amid a taxing year. Matt Hey said he was “not even kidding” about celebrating Christmas three months early, explaining that he was fed up with 2025 and wanted to extend the festive mood as long as possible. He added a defiant nod to critics, telling viewers not to worry about Halloween: “To all of you, I don’t wanna hear, ‘What about Halloween?’ I f***ing Halloween. Stuff Halloween.” He proceeded to announce plans to put up the tree that weekend and invited others to join him or stay away if they preferred to resist the holiday cheer.

The initial clip quickly captured attention online, earning more than 70,000 views and triggering a wave of responses. Some viewers applauded the move as a simple act of joy, saying a Christmas tree could brighten spaces and spirits for longer than the usual season. “Merry Christmas to you and your family,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “I agree, it’s a shame to only have a Christmas tree up for three weeks when it really does brighten your spirits and home.” Others noted they might follow Hey’s lead, sharing that they too planned to display their trees early to honor loved ones or to mark personal milestones. “I wish every day was Christmas Day. I love the decorations and food. So I wholeheartedly approve of this,” commented a different user.

As the debate continued, Hey released a follow-up video in which he was seen dancing around the room beside the prominent Christmas tree, a playful display that he said was meant to underscore his message: the season could start when people feel ready to embrace joy. He later joked that anyone who thought his move was a joke should “look at the proof” that the tree had indeed been set up in September. The follow-up clip drew even more attention, with the view count surpassing 200,000 and comments from people who said they, too, planned to join in the early decorating.

The online dialogue reflected a broader cultural moment in which households weigh tradition against personal well-being and mood. In Australia, Halloween is not a widespread national tradition, but many families still decorate for October or November, balancing the mood with children’s expectations or personal nostalgia. Some commenters framed Hey’s stance as a refreshing break from the grind of a tough year, while others urged a return to conventional timelines. One observer noted that their granddaughter’s love of the season inspired an earlier display, while another explained they would decorate for Halloween first and transition to Christmas in due time. The exchange highlighted how personal rituals around holidays can diverge significantly even within the same country.

Beyond individual preference, the episode touched on broader conversations about consumer culture and the emotional pull of seasonal decoration. Supporters argued that starting early allows for extended enjoyment of festive décor, food, music, and family time. Critics warned that cheering for early decorating could dilute the anticipation that builds as December approaches. Yet the public responses in the wake of Hey’s videos underscored how a single social post can catalyze a spectrum of reactions, from outright endorsement to lighthearted skepticism.

Hey’s experience illustrates how a lighthearted, seemingly small act can become a cultural touchstone in the age of viral social media. For many people, a Christmas tree in September is less about tradition and more about creating moments of light and connection amid uncertainty. Several commenters who initially resisted the idea ultimately revealed a softer stance, with some saying they were inspired to begin their own celebrations ahead of schedule. Others expressed admiration for the spontaneity and sense of personal autonomy that the video appeared to celebrate.

As the conversation evolves, two threads remain clear. First, the appeal of extending the holiday mood—whether through decorations, music, or related rituals—resonates with people seeking comfort and optimism. Second, the spectacle of a viral moment shows how individual choices can spark widespread dialogue about even the most familiar seasonal rituals. Whether Hey’s September tree becomes a lasting trend or a one-off moment remains to be seen, but his videos have already demonstrated how entertainment and culture can intersect to shape domestic life in real time.