‘Not even kidding’: Comedian’s joke blows up, sparks conversation

A popular social media star has surprised fans by following through on a joke, and the unexpected move has ignited a huge reaction.

Sydney comedian, podcast host, and self-described “glamazon” Matt Hey – better known to his online fans as Alright Hey – has officially skipped the calendar and gone straight to Christmas.

The content creator sent TikTok into a frenzy after posting a video of himself setting up his Christmas tree in September.

“I’m not even kidding, I know it’s September but I am putting the Christmas tree up … and none of you can stop me,” he said.

“Honestly, I’m sick of this year, I’m done with it. Let’s just put the Christmas tree up and call it a year. I would like to actually enjoy Christmas for as long as possible.”

While many declared it was “too soon” and headlines labelled the act “seriously divisive” – many got on board with his Christmas spirit and have even vowed to follow suit.

Speaking to news.com.au, Matt revealed that the decision happened completely by accident, although he admits he usually puts up his tree early – typically the first week of November.

“I was doing a bit of spring cleaning for the final third of the year when I stumbled across the tree packed away in a cupboard,” he said.

“I moved everything out of the cupboard to clean it, and as I was packing everything back in, I said to my partner something along the lines of, ‘We may as well keep the tree out, it’ll be Christmas before we know it,’ and as I continued packing I thought … let’s do it. One small joke turned into something really fun.”

Matt Hey has set up his Christmas tree early this year. Picture: TikTok/AlrightHey

He explained that the tree, a long-anticipated buy from cult-Christmas tree store Balsam Hill, had been on his wishlist for nearly a decade.

“They’re quite pricey, so I need to get my money’s worth,” he said of the tree, which cost around $1900.

“This year has also been pretty hectic, not so much in my own life, but just the way the world is going. I thought as much Christmas cheer as possible in 2025 might help me feel a bit better about all the dreadful news I hear about day in and day out,” he said.

While some might think unboxing decorations in September is odd (or superstitious), Matt says there’s a hidden upside.

“Christmas can be really expensive because all your costs come at once. If you leave all your celebrations until closer to Christmas, it can be a huge task and it all adds up quickly,” he explained.

“Starting in September means I can take it slow and really enjoy the festivities this year. It’ll also help to lessen the costs that build up during this time of year.”

He says it helps him get into the Christmas cheer. Picture: TikTok/AlrightHey

Plus, he says it’s created plenty of Christmas cheer at home and sparked conversations wherever he goes.

“It’s really exciting, and I think doing it differently this year has almost sparked something new in me,” Matt shared.

“Instead of doing what I do every year, this time it’s been really refreshing to mix things up. I think the best part is it’s such a conversation starter. Everyone wants to talk about it. If people come to my place, I know it’s going to be something we chat about. I had one lady stop me at Westfield yesterday and talk to me about it, and I love chatting in general, but I especially love talking about Christmas. So it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made this year.”

Others have told him they don’t take their tree down and just decorate it with different themes throughout the years.

And some from other countries, like the Philippines, have said they often start putting up their Christmas trees early too.

“The simple act of me putting my tree up in September has helped me connect with so many new people around the world who have seen the posts on my social media, and it’s allowed them to share stories with me,” he said.

“I love the conversations it has started, they are really meaningful.”

He’s not stopping at just the tree either.

“I’ve already got gingerbread candles burning, and Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé are going to see an early spike in earnings thanks to me,” he joked.

As for the Grinches who think it’s too early, Matt says it doesn’t bother him: “I’d suggest those people put their tree up early too so they can experience some joy, because they sound absolutely miserable.”