How Early is Too Early for the Christmas Season to Start?

Let me start off by saying, I like Christmas.  Much like the saying "Everything in its place" though, I think that "Everything in its time" also applies.  A while ago, while wandering through our local "wholesale warehouse" store, I was reduced to shaking my head at the display I saw before me.  Christmas trees and decorations, wrap and other assorted seasonal goodies were out in full glory, ready for the upcoming season.  Sadly, the upcoming season was still over two months away!  It wasn't even Hallowe'en yet.  I understand the retailers motivations - we are after all a retail business ourselves - but surely there must be limits?

Earlier and earlier, the stores have been forced to outdo each other in a race to earn your dollar.  This in turn pushes advertising to start each "season" earlier to promote them, like we might forget Christmas is in December.

Putting aside for a moment all of the people who don't celebrate Christmas, the problem as I see it though is that nowhere do we really see the sales and deals that people crave until, at the earliest, November (Black Friday) and more common (in Canada anyway), Boxing Day.  Even Boxing Day now starts before Christmas, with "Boxing Week" sales.  For those readers not in Canada and other parts of the world that don't know, Boxing Day is the day after Christmas.  It is a nice day to relax with the family, let the kids play with their new toys, moms and dads get to sit back and think enjoy some time off and go STAND IN LINE AT SOME UNEARTHLY HOUR TO POSSIBLY BUY SOMETHING THAT MAY ALREADY BE OUT OF STOCK BY THE TIME YOU GET IN!  These shopping seasons blur the lines between holiday and gotta-get-it-days and no one relaxes.  Online Boxing Day sales now happen (and websites everywhere crash in unison with the amount of people willing to give up hours of their time) on Christmas Eve to get that last minute deal on a mixer! And around it goes.  I like a good deal as much as the next person, but to answer the earlier question, Yes, there are limits.

Oh, and another thing... I actually enjoy Christmas music.  I like the mood that it sets when putting up a tree, wrapping gifts and decorating.  I like the sound of a good Christmas song mixed with the various smells and activities of the Christmas season at home.  Whoops! Christmas season.  Christmas.  Last time I checked, Christmas was in December (See?  I didn't forget!), not November.  Our local stores started playing the odd song in late October. Now a local radio station (one that is set for background music here at work) has begun playing Christmas music non-stop, actually 24/7.  Over a month before Christmas and not even in December yet!  I halfway think that the retail marketing people must pay big money to get this to happen!  I kid but it does seem like all of the holidays and seasons blend together and it's stressful for many people.

As December approaches, and the real blitz begins to separate you from your money, remembering what the season means to you is ultimately what matters.  If shopping and standing in line makes you happy, then good for you.  Go do it.  If, on the other hand, relaxing the week before Christmas with a fire in the fireplace, a cup of (insert favorite beverage here) in your hand and the soothing background of Christmas tunes while conversing with family and friends is your thing, then enjoy yourself.  We all deserve to enjoy the season as we like.

Merry Christmas!  Uh-oh, was that too early?

What do you think?  Is there a point when it's too early?  We'd love to hear from you! Post your comments below.