Ghosts and Christmas Trees

Halloween hasn't happened yet, but Christmas trees are already decorating the stores. It is enough to turn anyone into a Scrooge.

In Canada, Thanksgiving occurs early in October, so Christmas is the next big holiday after Halloween. But, for goodness sakes, wait until at least November 1st to put up the decorations! It is no wonder that so many people are tired of Christmas before it arrives.

I will admit that I am one of those people who do their holiday shopping early. I only have two or three gifts left to buy, and I should be done by next Friday. But I do this so I can enjoy the holiday season and avoid the malls. Just because I buy gifts in June doesn't mean that I want to see Christmas items then.

It has been a rule of mine to avoid malls during the month of December. But with the shopping season being continually extended backwards, I may give up malls as early as November 1st soon.

As an aside, Canada Post releases their holiday stamps on November 1st. That doesn't bother me too much, since international cards and party invitations need to me mailed early. But I think the secular stamps aren't very attractive this year.