When exactly is it appropriate to begin embracing the festive spirit? Forty-three percent of Americans think it’s suitable to put up holiday decorations before November 1, according to new research. The poll of 2,000 Americans discovered people start their holiday preparations early in the year. In fact, over half (57 percent) of those studied revealed they start their holiday shopping before November 1. And eight in 10 begin preparing for the holidays well before the autumn leaves begin to change – between January and August. A study commissioned by Minted examined the holiday spirit and holiday habits of 2,000 Americans, and uncovered that three in 10 have no problem seeing holiday decorations displayed in stores before Halloween or Thanksgiving. What kicks off the holiday season? According to the survey, nearly half (50 percent) of respondents revealed that seeing holiday decorations in shops marked the official start to the holiday season. Other key signifiers that the holiday season is upon us include hearing holiday music in shops (47 percent), when you begin to receive emails from retailers about holiday gifts (37 percent), and when you get your first holiday card in the mail (35 percent).