I love Christmas. Let me repeat that - I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I would like to get that out of the way first. It is far and away my favorite holiday. As a Christian myself, the significance is exceptionally important to me, though frankly not as important as Easter.
I love Christmas songs, presents, and food. I love the looks on my kids' faces on that special morning. I love teaching my kids about it and what it really means. There are certain movies I always try to watch leading up to December 25th (namely, "It's a Wonderful Life", "A Christmas Story", and "Scrooged"). I also usually watch the Grinch stealing Christmas (old version) and Charlie Brown's Christmas show (classic). Even the piano music from the latter, performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, is able to evoke strong holiday memories for me. This is going to be the year that I buy that CD finally. It's just really good.
Now that we have set that straight, WHY OH WHY does "Christmastime" have to start earlier every year? It is still celebrated on the same day. I was telling a friend of mine earlier that I saw the first Christmas commercial on TV the night that I was getting my kids ready to go trick-or-treating. You heard me. I saw a department store ad for a Christmas special on HALLOWEEN night. 
Are retailers only going to be happy when it's called "HALLOTHANKSMAS"?
Today, as I was leaving my house, I turned on my car radio and there is a local station that has already started its annual 24-7 broadcast of Christmas carols. Are you kidding me? Don't we have another holiday to celebrate first? This is rampant and blatant commercializing of this terrific and special time of year. Do we really need to be reminded of when it occurs? Christmas is 38 days away. Can't we wait until after Thanksgiving to start this stuff? I suppose if I am being honest I could listen to this music anytime of year and still enjoy it, but since I know the reason is to sell ad time, it irritates me.
I know that the ads seem to have affected at least one of my kids already, as I am right now looking at her Christmas list that she left on the table next to me. I finally told her to make a list because I was tired of hearing about every single thing that she wants. She was pushing me to order everything early, ostensibly because she didn't want anything to come late. Hmm... my wife and I have always managed to get her gifts here on time before. Maybe she saw an ad somewhere that prompted this, or maybe she is just six and excited because she knows it is next month.
At any rate, I would like to humbly suggest that we refrain from any overt Christmasalization until the day after Thanksgiving, when everyone and their dog can hit the malls (with boughs of holly) to begin their shopping. As for the radio thing, I think I would find it acceptable next week or perhaps December 1st, but not right now. I am going to single-handedly coin this new phrase (Christmasalization), and I hope you will join me.
Thanks for listening.
By the way, now that my older kids are 8 and 6, it is interesting to note that they KNOW when the decorating occurs. My wife told me a couple of days ago, "I hope you are ready to get in the attic on Thanksgiving or the day after. The kids want us to start decorating." That's fine. In fact, it warms my heart since I know that their excitement comes from genuine joy about the time of year. As for the radio and TV ads, I feel a bit differently.
Thanks for reading!
If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere or subscribe via email?
If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Jason, my husband and I were just talking about this very thing this morning! Where did Thanksgiving go?
We are sad that "being thankful" has been trumped by "getting presents!" We like Simon's "Keep Christmas in December" campaign.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL,
Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt, Realtors, Prudential GHP, Ocean Shores, WA.
Well its Christmas in my house Tomorrow 11/18 - before turkey day for sure. Why you ask?? So I can give all the parents their photos with Santa well in advance to make cards and such.
I AM DREAMING OF A WHITEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Hit the malls "with boughs of holly" very funny, Jason!
Fa la la la la la, la la la la.
I agree with all you said.
I barely took the Pumpkin off the front porch and the Christmas commercials are jingling all around.
What about the Turkey - what about being Thankful for family and friends - what about the Aroma of wonderful food? My children look forward to their special Thanksgiving feast (guess they don't realize Mom can cook the same dishes any time of year) and we all look forward to the special time spent with family - Grandparents, Brothers, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins.
It's just plain wrong to jump right over Thanksgiving!
While driving around today, we also came across a radio station that began the 24/7 Christmas music. A little early for me!!
Jason-That is clever "HALLOTHANKSMAS".
So true that is. The night of Halloween, I had to run to the grocery store and what was the music I was hearing? Yes Christmas music. Ahhhh...the sweet sound of Christmas on Halloween. I'm kidding. Really it was hysterical to me, because you are exactly right. They move it up every year. Soon we'll find ourselves in "BACKTOHALLOTHANKSMAS". Just when the kids are getting ready to go back to school.
I am the proud owner of the Vince Guaraldi CD and NOTHING gets me more in the holiday mood! Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and all the Rankin-Bass movie. But NEVER before Thanksgiving. As if I could even get it together that early.
Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. Crouch.
As marketing director here at Destroying Great Hoiday Traditions One At A Time, I take umbrage to this outrageous assault on our profit margin, er ... I mean holiday spirit! I feel compelled to tell you that there are many people in this great nation who are falling behind on their bills this season. If we don't get the word out now, we run the risk of thousands of people not being exposed to our brainwashing propaganda, er ...holiday cheer, before their power is shut off. We need these people to spend their last few dollars ... I mean, precious time, cherishing Elmo's rendition of "Oh, Holy Night." Further, in the interest of providing the side of the story you failed to reveal, we have performed countless studies. Double blind experiments reveal that physical nausea from listening to "Jingle Bells" does not occur in most people (depending on age, sex, weight and number of Barry Manilow songs in subject's I-POD) until the 72nd rendition. We here at DGHTOAAT stop well short of that threshhold at 68. You sir, simply have not taken the time to mix in the facts with your inflamatory statements. Besides, who cares about a bunch of pilgrims with funny hats who ran around kiling turkeys?
Sincerely,
Richard Weed
Yep, Christmas comes earlier every year. I remember seeing decorations coming up after Thanksgiving, then after Halloween, and NOW, it's even earlier. Guess the stores want to get us in the mood, heh? I, too, love Christmas, although now it's all about the grandkids.
Jason,
I feel your pain. I was showing clients homes today and I couldn't get through the downtown area because...the Christmas parade was going through. Santa comes earlier and earlier every year. It will truly be Christmas in July before too long.
Jason.... Paul's comment had me rolling..... lol ANd I agree with Tom, after October, I am hardly in the mall.
Overall, I agree, it's getting earlier and earlier. Did anyone know that we have been in a slight recession in the last 5 yrs, no matter what anyone else has said. As mentioned in a few comments, they need to get the word out earlier now just to get people to buy as soon as possible. If you paid attention, sales were down some last year until the end. Companies need to know if they will make more this year, but sooner. Gee, just 4 days ago, the Grinch was on TV... I was like, Holy Cow..... but I still watched it. Like you, I love the shows that you mentioned.
Jason...you missed a few, unless you don't like them. Some of the animated tv shows... "A year without Santa Claus"... with Heat Miser and Snow Miser? And the Little Drummer Boy.....(which I haven't seen on TV in a long time.).... and The Night Before Christmas....
Jason Crouch:
I agree! I saw a commercial in Wal-Mart back at Halloween for Christmas! YGTBK!!!!!!!! x 2!!!
Christmas and now forced to view advertising while going down aisles! GAG!
Here is a clue for my favorite one: F-R-A-G-I-L-E
Jason's favorite is Trapped in Paradise. He cracks me up watching that movie
At any rate, I would like to humbly suggest that we refrain from any overt Christmasalization - Does that mean I have to take down my tree? ;o)
SALLY - I don't think we have any stores that are actually open on Thanksgiving Day, but I know some of them open at midnight or VERY early on Friday morning. Have a great holiday week!
MISSY - It's funny. After I wrote and posted this one, I have had at least three people mention to me that they have seen decorations or heard Christmas music on the radio, so I know I'm not alone here. Thanks for your comments! I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
JOHN - That caught me off guard. Good one!
SIMON - I must agree with you. Honestly, I don't mind starting AFTER Thanksgiving, but October is too early.
LINDA - I don't know. I guess Thanksgiving is not really a bad time to start thinking about Christmas, but Halloween? Too early!
CINDY - I also find that commercial REALLY irritating. November 1st for the Christmas music is crazy to me. As I said, I can enjoy Christmas music anytime if I want to hear it, but I guess what bugs me is the commercialism. As for Lowe's, I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of the pantomime lady, like it or not (and we don't!).
STEVEN and MARTI - That is exactly what bugs me about it. I love everything Christmas, truly. I don't begrudge anyone who wants to celebrate early, late, etc. I don't like the fact that it is shoved down our throats in order to make more money. Have a great Thanksgiving!
DEZ - To each his own. I understand if there are personal celebrations that are at different times or dates. This is not what bugs me. As for "White Christmas", I love the classic Bing Crosby version best. How about you?
CHARLES - I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on this one. Happy Thanksgiving week to you and yours!
LAURIE - I like your take on this. Snoopy would probably be upset, huh? Are we going to start having Labor Day/Christmas sales at the same time soon?
ELIZABETH - No floating hearts = one heartbroken kid (and mom). Advertisers need to think about the stuff that they put out there. Somehow, I am not surprised that you agree with me on this issue. Have a great Thanksgiving week!
JUDITH - I am glad you caught that reference. I thought it was clever, too. Have a great and happy Thanksgiving week!
PATSY - At least you were able to get the pumpkin off the porch before you started seeing/hearing about Christmas stuff. I did not have that luxury here. I agree completely with your comments, and I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving!
DAVID - Too early for me as well. In fact, that is exactly what prompted this post for me. Have a great Thanksgiving!
CHRIS - I actually feel the same way - I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, but I cannot stand it being used for greed. Christmas in our house extends until February, truth be known. I know that we all like hearing Christmas music for at least a solid month after the actual day.
JULIE - HAPPYFOURTHOFBACKTOHALLOTHANKSMAS! I appreciate your comments. Have a great Thanksgiving!
ELAINE - I neglected to include the Rankin-Bass Productions stuff, but I love those, too. We own several of those in a box set, and the Rudolph and Frosty movies are terrific and highly nostalgic for me. I remember watching those on our small TV as a kid.
BOB - Why would they have a Christmas parade this early? I can't for the life of me figure that out. Are they thinking that people will be travelling during the holidays? Why not do it in early December at least? Crazy. Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked the post.
HUGH - That sounds like a nice piece of artwork that you got. Just to explain, NOTHING will ruin Christmas for me, but I don't like retailers using it for greedy purposes. We will have a terrific Christmas and Thanksgiving, I'm sure. I hope you do, too!
PAUL - I must say that as funny as your comments were, the funniest part was the signature. Thanks for taking the time to craft a master comedy response to this one. I will talk to you soon.
DANNY - I recognize that many of them only make a profit around the holidays, but the commercial I saw was for Lowe's, and I know that they are doing fine, since there are four of them within ten minutes of my house. As you said, it's all about the money.
DEBRA - YES. That is what makes me sad about it. Thanks for your supportive comments. Glad you liked the post. Have a great Thanksgiving!
TOM - You are a wise man. I wish I could swing that, too. Have a great Thanksgiving week!
TERI - I think that there is a chance that it will be earlier again next year at this rate. Crazy thought. Have a great Thanksgiving!
ANDREW - That is unbelievable! How can they even justify that? I guess I would appreciate it if I thought that they (or the advertisers) were doing this for Jesus, but you and I both know that is not the case. I hope you and your family have a terrific Thanksgiving!
JODDIE - You make a terrific point, and this is something that I try to live by. It is best to live for today and enjoy what we have now, rather than always thinking of and dreaming about the future. I am surprised by the Salvation Army, but I guess nothing much totally surprises me anymore. I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving week!
MARC - That is insane. If you liked Paul's comment, I would highly suggest that you subscribe to his blog and start reading his stuff - he is the funniest guy around here, in my opinion. Have a great Thanksgiving!
JEFF - You're right - those shows are also terrific. Thanks for pointing them out, and I do LOVE them, too - highly nostalgic for me. We own a box set of those and our kids like them now as well.
KATERINA - I understand your point, and I agree with you. I think I was really focusing on the commercialization of the season, which does bother me now. Our Christmas also starts right after Thanksgiving and extends until around the beginning of February. Thanks for your comments, and I hope you and your family (including your new granddaughter) have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
JESSICA - I thought that you might like it if your comment was in the same "box" as Katerina's (see above). JK! I also like "Christmas Story" and I think that is my wife's favorite, too. I don't think I have even seen "Trapped in Paradise". Would you recommend it? Thanks for the acronym - I got it (no kidding).
LISA - Simply put, no. This is not directed at individuals, only at advertisers and radio stations.
TOM - When will it end? Maybe we should just leave everything up all year. I checked out your post and commented on it earlier tonight. Thanks!
I don't know Jason... The more I think on it...maybe you're just overreacting? lol
Jason:
Katerina's post does give a good example of what is taking place. I tend to agree. We are so close....
Headline: "Mass UFO abductions....
I need to talk to you sometime this week. Want to talk about home schooling. Like I told Katerina in another post....maybe it's just me but I sware they are trying to turn my kids into little communists! No, I am not being funny! Katerina and I talked about it some on my "If I could be like that post..."
Trapped in paradise? It isn't your typical Christmas movie! It just takes place at Christmas time. It has Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitiz and Dan Carvey (Church lady). So, I will let you guess. It cracks my Jason up!
ADAM - Thanks for being on my team here. I completely agree - the "official" start of the Christmas season should be the day after Thanksgiving. Any earlier and it just seems like retailers are desperate for money, which may certainly be the case.
CANDI - That is great to hear about Nordstrom's. It is time that someone took a stand on this issue. I didn't know that you dressed and undressed mannequins for a living for awhile, but that is interesting to hear. In fact, it reminds me of a story and I may just write a post about it. Thanks!
LISA - Did you take that picture, or did you find it somewhere? Good stuff!
JESSICA - I would be happy to talk to you about homeschooling sometime soon. You could also talk to my wife, who has run and participated in several homeschooling groups. I need to look back at the comments on your post. As for "Trapped in Paradise", I think I did see it, but it didn't leave a strong impression on me.
Jason... I am with you on this one! I was just complaining this past week about how Thanksgiving seems to be the forgotten holiday overshadowed by the commercialism of Christmas. I love Christmas too, but I also love that we have Thanksgiving and would like to see it recognized more. We all need to take time out to be Thankful for all that we have been given. I could barely find decorations for put out for Thanksgiving because it has been moved aside for Christmas decorations. Enough is Enough... ok, ranting over. LOL!
BTW- love your blog and just subscribed. Good stuff!
HALLOTHANKSMAS! Now that's funny. The commercialization aspect has just gotten completely out of control. Jesus is the reason for the season... not JC Penney. Sheesh
Hey Jason,
Some of our stores had X-mas stuff out by the end of September - puul - leeaasse!!
I must, however, compliment you on your movie selections, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and Scrooged are some of my absolute favorites!!
Happy Halloween!! (in the future I'll wish you other happy holidays)
Take care, Laurie