Christmas in September? Bah Humbug!
Christmas in September
Today I went to town and I had to pick up a few things at the store. I was looking around trying to find what I needed and when I turned the corner I saw this.
It’s September people! It’s not even close to Christmas and there are a few more holidays to celebrate before we get to December. I got so flustered I paid for the two items I had in my hand and forgot the rest. I drove home and the conversation I had with myself in the car went like this…..
“Why would they put Christmas stuff out so early? Don’t they know what month it is?”
“Of course they know what month it is and the people who put up the displays aren’t to blame. Corporate decides that sort of thing.”
“So why do I care when they put it up? Is it really worth getting upset over? Well, not upset exactly, but sort of mad.”
“We don’t really know when Jesus was born and we could celebrate his birthday in September just as well as December. Actually we should celebrate it all year long by trying to walk in His foot steps.”
“So why do you (self) let it get to you?”
I thought about that question for a minute and here’s the answer I came up with….
It upsets me because it makes it less special, less magical. Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday and I have so many memories of the good times we had together in DECEMBER. When I was a child I never remember seeing Christmas decorations in September or October, maybe November. But it was definitely a winter holiday.
It’s all about the money.Stores don’t put Halloween items out in June. Christmas is the end of the year holiday that makes stores money so if they advertise earlier (they think) then they will make more money. I have news for them….it makes me NOT want to shop with them. Not that that will make a difference, but it’s the truth
It takes away from Thanksgiving. I’m not big on Halloween (although I like to see the little children dressing up) but I am big on Thanksgiving. I don’t like the fact that it plays second fiddle to Christmas. If we can’t be thankful then we aren’t doing something right…just saying.
Am I a Christmas Grinch?
Only in September, October and November. How about you?
Thanks, Joyce. I was surprised to find out that lots of people like it out that early!
I think so too, Janie, but lots of people don’t feel that way.
I agree, everyone talks about living in the moment but how can we when our moments are being hijacked for profit by corporate decisions that focus on money. The meaning of the moment is being diluted.
I agree! It is even disquieting to see Hobby Lobby put Christmas goodies out in June or July – yikes!
I always respected Williams-Sonoma. That’s one place in the mall where I could find a Thanksgiving ingredient (chestnuts or specialty bread mix) a few before the holiday when all the others had Christmas already swept away and Easter bunnies hopping about!