Christmas season in our house is the first day of Advent through Epiphany. I don’t really mind that retailers start a bit earlier, and I’m never quite understanding when people complain about this – it’s not like strangers are coming to MY HOUSE and decorating.
One thing I do like is that most retail places don’t seem to start Christmas until November 1 these days, because Halloween has become a bigger and bigger consumer holiday. I did have a hard time finding a Thanksgiving-appropriate decoration this year, because stores went right from Halloween to Christmas. Odd, that.
The day after Thanksgiving is the only day (well, non-weekend day) that I have off from work until Christmas, so I do use that day to do some of the big work for Christmas – dragging down the boxes and big decorations. But nothing actually gets unpacked until Advent!
Right after Thanksgiving. However, I will admit to having bought wrapping paper, cards, bows, and a new (yes, I buy artificial ) tree over the past 3 weeks, simply because I landed a great job after months of unemployment. I’ve been in a disgustingly good mood since, and it feels like a nice holiday present to me.
For all those offering me cold weather. Please mail it to 2445 Kalakaua Ave. Upon arrival I’ll ship out some 70s and maybe even some 80s.
Hmmm, I just saw my first Salvation Army jingler today. That’s kind of a start. Not one I enjoy though. It drives me crazy especially when I’m waiting and waiting at a bus stop.
[hijack] One thing that bothers me, though–why is it that we start Christmas so early, and yet (in the U.S. anyway) people think that Christmas is over December 26th?! It’s the twelve days of Christmas, kids! It’s Christmas season until Epiphany!
I haven’t really enjoyed Christmas since age 13 or so and as I am now entering ‘Late Youth’ that’s been a while. So other than getting something for my wife 'long about the 23rd or so it never really starts.
As an offshoot of the above I also don’t care to have people get me things nor do I care to get them anything. My thinking on gift giving goes something like this, “If I’d wanted one of those things, I’D HAVE DAMN WELL BOUGHT ME ONE ALREADY.” It might be a little late for this year but next year for sure I’m sending out postcards around September telling everyone that, in spite of oft voiced thoughts on Christmas, continue to get me stuff that in the future I’ll just by myself something I want and send them a bill for it.
Of course if that damn kid of mine would get off his ass and produce some cute little round bottomed grandkids my attitude whould likely change.
The homeowners association says we can decorate up to 30 days prior to any holiday, but I start thinking about Christmas when the Hallowe’en decorations start going up. I try not to start shopping before Thanksgiving, though, and will not set foot in a retail establishment the day after Thanksgiving.
In our household, we don’t start getting Christmassy until after my brother’s birthday (15th Dec). Some of my friends put their tree and house lights up promptly on 1st December.
Also, has anyone else noticed that shops are getting out their Christmas junk out earlier and earlier? Some supermarkets I shop at start filling their shelves with tinsel, etc in September! I now find it amusing that you can still buy mince pies when hot cross buns are coming out!
) tree over the past 3 weeks, simply because I landed a great job after months of unemployment. I’ve been in a disgustingly good mood since, and it feels like a nice holiday present to me.