At least, according to the world of advertising and commerce.
This weekend, I
- …heard my first (and second) Christmas songs used in TV adverts
- …saw an ad in which a small boy bedecked in a scarf and bobble-hat screeched “It’s Chriiiiiistmaaaaaas” (to which P and I responded “nooooooo, it’s nooooooot!”)
- …saw a woman buying a roll of wrapping paper in M&S, and it was definitely christmas giftwrap, rather than birthday or tasteful or similar
- …was offered a “gift receipt” when I bought a top in M&S. No thanks, a normal receipt will do fine…
- …saw a family in Sainsbury’s buying mince pies. Loads of them.
- …suddenly became aware that all the shops are FULL of festive-season-related items and decorations and so on. They must have snuck in and applied the Christmas Blunderbus overnight
I know we say it every year, but it really does seem to be getting earlier than ever. What, did someone make a rule that as soon as the last firework has died away, it’s open season on holly, conspicuous consumption and glitter?
In one of the big-box craft stores here in the US, I kid you not, there was a Christmas aisle right next to the Halloween aisle. This was in September. Ugh.
My other half bought some mince pies in Sainsburys but they are use by 24 November. To my chagrin he also bought a Christmas pudding - use by June 2007.
I refuse to acknowledge Christmas until December starts. This would be different if I was in a choir that needed lots of rehearsals. But I’m not.
the Boots store here had xmas decorations up by the second week of October…
When does the last firework die away? As there seem to be firework every weekend lately in London. Which is nice because I like firework. And I would support the let’s have Christmas after the last firework concept too. Let’s have a firework every day.
they were selling christmas ale in my local co-op in july!
Ahh, the Christmas Blunderbus … a close relative of Homer’s Makeup Gun> :)
My son and I were at the mall the weekend before Halloween. Macy’s already had Christmas decorations up and ToysRUs was playing Christmas songs. 1 November and Santa was trotted out. Ugh
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’ry store I go
The people are starting to shove, buying for those they love
With candy canes and checkout lanes aglow.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in ev’ry store,
But the prettiest sight to see is Ms. Eggers hitting me
At the store’s front door.
A violent video game that’ll drive you insane
Is the wish of Barney and Ben.
Dolls with the figures imposs’ble to mirror
Is the hope of Janice and Jen.
And mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’ry store I go
The economy’s kind of bad, spending is really sad,
And stores are ‘fraid their bottom line’s too low.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Registers will ring
And the thing that will start it all is the advertiser’s call
Pulling your heart string
Wilhelm has been banned from p