Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Christmas shopping

So, I'm checking my e-mail this morning. Sarah Mclaughlin, who is one of my favorite artists (and it doesn't hurt that she's easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean), just released a new album last week and it's currently number one on the barnes and noble popularity chart.

Anyway, her new album is called "Wintersong" and has the following song list: Happy Xmas, What Child Is This, River Wintersong, I'll Be Home for Christmas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, The First Noel/Mary Mary, Silent Night, Song for a Winter's Night, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Christmas Time Is Here.

I read this, and I'm like, c'mon! I know it's not her fault nor b&n; it's the distributor. But, a full two months before Christmas? It's not even November yet.

When I was a kid, I remember watching A Charlie Brown Christmas and how Charlie Brown was complaining about the commercialism of Christmas. That has stuck with me and is re-emphasized through the years. I'll have more to say about the holidays as they get closer. I just can't believe the shopping season is being pushed earlier and earlier every year.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am soooo not ready for Christmas. Last year, I spent Christmas totally by myself. I don't want to do that again--it was awful!

Sarebear said...

I wish it wasn't, too, but I've thought about it, and with everything that goes into setting up for and marketing and selling and stuff, the five weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas is an extremely short selling period.

So from some perspective, especially that of employment, jobs, factory work/production, etc., I kinda understand the move to start the Christmas selling season after Halloween.

Although, at Target there's Christmas lights and other stuff filling out the Halloween decor section, already . . .

Since the Christmas season is make-or-break for alot of businesses, especially the not-huge ones, I guess maximizing it makes sense, business-wise. But I don't think Christmas music should be played until Thanksgiving, really.

And stores that refuse to use the word Christmas, and only use Happy Holidays, drive me nuts.

Now, I don't think the phrase Happy Holidays is bad, and don't think it should be stigmatized as anti-Christian, but hey, stores, don't pretend "Christmas" doesn't exist except as a generic holiday.

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean...all the major stores already have Christmas stuff out,and it isn't even Halloween yet. Forget finding any decorations for Fall at this point!!!

Anonymous said...

I guess you wouldn't want to know that I have already been Christmas shopping then? I actually Christmas shop all year long. Just whenever I see something that I want to get, I buy it. I hate all the rush during the last month.

But, I spent last Christams and Thanksgiving in the hospital, so I have been trying to make up for it this year.

I want to play Christmas music on my Blog right now, but I know it is to early.

ipanema said...

Merry Christmas Dr. A! For the record, this is the 1st Christmas post I've read. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm still looking for Halloween things, and they're pretty hard to come by this time of year. I went to a store today to kill some time, and wouldn't you know it- they were selling "Charlie Brown-Brand Christmas Trees!" AAAAARRRGGGHHH!

HP said...

We've had Christmas decorations and carols in some of the stores since September. I really feel the staff who work in these places. It's ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

Yep--there's already Christmas stuff out in Walmart...right next to the miniscule amount of Halloween stuff. So I second that "AAAARGHHHH"!!!

Anonymous said...

I see stores put up Christmas decorations the minute Halloween is over. It's crazy.

Cinnamon Girl said...

I hear ya. Heard and errant "ho ho ho" coming from my tv the other evening and gave my self whiplash turning to glare at the television. Why can't we enjoy October and Halloween a the VERY least?

mance01 said...

I listened to my iPod's Christmas playlist on the way in to work this morning. Sure, it's only October but I don't care. Cold weather = Christmas. woo! :)

Dr. A said...

Ripple, I agree. Being alone at Christmas is definitely a bummer. Christmas is also a time of hope, and I hope things will be different for you this year.

Sarebear, I'll have a Happy Holidays rant coming sometime. I don't know when, but it's coming.

Jen, Maybe finding fall decorations on clearance. Can never plan too early for next fall!

Cathy, I don't have a problem with Christmas shopping all year. I'm jealous because I'm not that disciplined. Plus, I tried that one year and forgot where I had my Christmas gift storage, and bought more gifts anyway.

Ipanema, Even though this is the first post, this won't be the last Christmas post (see above - HA!)

Inamini, Gotta love the Charlie Brown Christmas trees!

HP, September? Sheesh!

BRN, At my Walmart, they already have easter stuff out -- NOT!

Thinker, You're right. It's crazy.

Starrlight, Hope you're ok after that whiplash incident :)

Mance01, Someone at work is like that. If he could get away with Christmas music all year, he would. I'm with you on the cold weather thing. There were a few flurries around here tonight.

Sean Carter said...

i am slowly getting into the mood for christmas shopping. but my neighbours have already ordered their christmas tree and other stuff as well. i love shopping and christmas is the best time to splurge on all kinds of wonderful things.
peep into this amazing Christmas Blog for some really cool gift ideas and lots more.