That’s right bouys and gulls, I was listening to the radio when I hear some insipid commercial about elves being low on work and Santa being worried, blah, blah, blah.
Gone are the days when Christmas themed commercials began after T-day. Sure T-day isn’t a big commercial deal like X-mas. I mean, people don’t go out spending gobs of cash on battery operated toys to give kids on T-day. There are rare and few turky carols. Heck, I doubt if C. Dickens wrote anything about T-day. (I’m the ghost of tryptophan past.) I guess it was inevitable that advertising would bypass T-day altogether.
But this is rediculus! Halloween is a big financial deal (mebbe not as big as X-mas). Bigger’en “All Saint’s Day”, ya know. Just as I was getting used to hearing X-mas themed commercials before I had crapped out the last of the cranberry sauce I hear some jive about Santa and the elves in early October, when it’s 70 degrees outside. (maybe it’s 70 on X-mas where you live, but here in Maryland…)
Did I miss a memo? Everything’s been moved up. Does the Easter Bunny know about this?
I blame marketing. They are evil, insipid wretches. I can go into the local “everything” store (Meijer) and the Halloween section is, well, just full of a few props, some costumes, and a crapload of candy. The Christmas section, which is already up as of last week, is stock full of ornaments and lights, with the space being made for fake trees and other such crap.
Ain’t overbearing commercialism great?
[sub]p.s. What is this “rediculus” thing? Is that like a redundant form of binary calculus? Just wondering…[/sub]
I’ve noticed the Xmas decorations out at Target, too. However, when I took a closer look, I noticed that almost all of the stuff was outdoor decorations–mostly lights. This actually does make sense, given our local climate. If I were putting up outdoor lights (maybe next year :)), I might rather do it now when the weather is reasonably clement rather than Thanksgiving, which is likely to have heaps of snow and ice. Ten years ago, we had a huge blizzard on Halloween! I guess I don’t blame some people for not wanting to wait around for some of this.
Decorating the inside of your house now–that’s ridiculous! Oh, and if you don’t like seeing Xmas stuff out early, avoid all craft stores after the 4th of July! (The excuse they have is that you need time to make the crafts. Some people can’t cross-stitch a stocking in just six weeks!)
In Target’s case, I think it may be a combination of crass commercialism and common sense. They do have plenty of Halloween crap in their store–I think the rest of the Xmas decorations will come out once that stuff is gone.
And I bet “Santa” is worried about not having as much work this year. There will be extra hype this year to get people to spend, spend, spend like there is no recession or war. “If you don’t buy this light-up manger scene, you are letting terrorism win!” :rolleyes:
When we were in Virginia last week, we drove past our old house. It had Christmas lights up already!! Or maybe they’re last year’s lights… hmmm… never mind…
The Sav-On in my neighborhood always has a healthy display of turkey trinkets. Right now I have my eye on a stuffed turkey; I hope to either buy him myself, or have someone give him to me as a hostess gift. He’s scrawny, with legs and arms going every which way, and a bewildered expression. When you squeeze his tummy, he makes a gobbling sound. He’ll be a perfect friend for Babs!
On the 2nd I had to stop at the drugstore and, lo and behold, they already have their Christmas stuff out. I mentioned to the lady behind the counter that it seemed AWFULLY early, and she agreed, but apparently the store management wanted it all out. And I’ve seen a UPS Christmas-themed commercial several times.
I will forgive certain stores, such as craft stores, because a lot of people do crafts that take a while. But not CVS. I don’t care how Christmas-crazy you are, it was barely October. I still refuse to do any Christmas shopping I might have to do until December.
I’m afraid this is all going to be much worse this year, too, what with the economy going who knows which way.
I went into a Gap outlet store today, and guess what was playing on their in-store radio?
CHRISTMAS MUSIC! AIEEEEEEE!!!
As much as I didn’t like hearing it, I really feel bad for the employees of that store. By the time Thanksgiving arrives, they’ll be complete Grinches from the overload.
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First of all, Halloween blizzard 10 years ago? Do you live in Minneapolis, Minnesota? I remember that one, I was out in it!!!
Second, yeah, I can just hear all the hoopla about not letting “terrorism” win. Bullshit. I’ll spend whatever the hell amount of my money I’m gonna spend REGARDLESS of what any of them say. I’ve never been one to say “Hey we’re in good economic shape this year, let’s blow the retirement fund on x-mas!” Or in the opposite, to say “Damn. The dow jones keeps dropping. Guess it’s coal for kiddies this year.” Jesus Christ. They treat us like we’re a bunch of fucking morons.
Now, I’ve done a good share of my x-mas shopping already, but that’s because I get stuff when I find it. If I see something that I think is perfect for so-and-so, I’m not gonna wait until December just to be stubborn. Especially if it’s on sale. I’m giving a bunch of people books this year, and Barnes & Noble had a deal on their website. Free shipping if you buy 2 or more items. Plus they are discounted off the “store price”. Do I look like an idiot who’s not gonna take advantage of that? Pshah, and monkey’s might fly outta my butt!