It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ... November

I think I rant about this every fall, but I swear that the retail Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year. Our grocery store had Christmas treats out before Halloween and I was even hearing occasional Christmas muzak in October. Apparently, once November rolls around, it's officially time to start decking the halls. A nearby shopping center already had its holiday decorations on the lamp posts before the first week of November had ended. On November 1, our neighbors down the street put up their Christmas decorations as they were taking down their Halloween stuff. And, just for the record, their decoratations aren't limited to a few strings of lights -- they have a few glowing reindeer, drums, flags, lights, and a giant inflatable snow globe in their front yard (all of which are being fully lit/inflated every evening).

Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday season, but I really wish I wasn't already sick of it by the time December actually rolls around. I don't think it's out of line to want to have a little time and space to enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving before I have to start worrying about stocking stuffers and mistletoe. For heaven's sake, at least let me digest my turkey before I start panicking about my Christmas to do list!