This little rant was from 2006 - If you're looking for the actual number of "sleeps until Christmas" for 2007 I've added a little countdown in How Many Sleeps Until Christmas. If you want to read the rant, which seems relevant for any given year - read on!HO HO HO Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that C R A P.
Christmas comes earlier every year it seems and frankly, I'm getting tired of it.
I've gotten used to fall and winter catalogues in early summer, I've gotten used to Halloween at back to school shopping and I thought I'd gotten used to the Christmas ornaments taking up multiple aisles before the last trick-or-treater had been tucked into bed ... but this is ridiculous. Yesterday, the 2nd day of fall, the 23rd of September, while out purchasing 'flying insect spray' I was bombarded with several aisles of Christmas decor and decorations.
Hey, I'm into the holidays as much as the next person. I truly enjoy the season and look forward to pretty much everything about it but come on people... IT'S SEPTEMBER for crying out loud. I haven't even worn a sweater yet!
Frankly I'm tired of the commercialism. With 3 kids I do my best to limit the amount of television commercials they are exposed to because they just bring on the giant cases of 'gimmie's' (even worse for my intense kids) but I thought I was safe bringing them to stores for at least another 5 to 6 weeks before Santa Fever kicked in but no. The push has already started. (Check out my
parenting tip for dealing with "the gimmies").
Who exactly are these stores targeting by putting this stuff at the front of the store right next to hallo ween costumes and trick or treat candy? It's not the adults is it? It's children. Your children and my children see this stuff in the stores and start with the Santa talk and 'how many sleeps till Christmas" and the never ending "gimmie's".
As far as I'm concerned, it really sucks the joy out of the holidays for me. By the time the season actually arrives, I'm so tired of looking at it I can hardly wait for it to be over. This year I'm not going to let these over anxious merchandisers ruin my holidays. I will NOT be shopping at any store that has Christmas decorations out before October 31st. So Zellers - you're off MY Christmas list!
Well, it's 92 sleeps until Christmas (in case you were wondering). Start counting down - that's what the stores want you to do! Or do what I'll be doing. Steer clear of these stores - and maybe even write a letter to let them know of your displeasure.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-- Margaret Mead
Comments
Thu, 29.04.2010 08:12
THANK YOU! My son is 5 and has been a pretty emotional child. My father-in-law passed away about a year and half ago and [...]
Thu, 11.03.2010 14:08
EVERYONE PLEASE LISTEN. Now that I have your attention. My 2nd grader is currently being bullied by his teacher. [...]
Wed, 17.02.2010 09:05
I know you posted this forever ago, but if you're still out there I would love to here how things turned out, if the [...]
Wed, 10.02.2010 18:47
if teachers were paid an appropriate salary for the level of education and effort required, you could get rid of these [...]
Wed, 16.12.2009 07:53
I have a 7 yr old step daughter that comes from a mother who has alot a mental health issues, tho my daughter seems to [...]
Tue, 27.10.2009 10:48
Child Behavior Modification is so tough. There are moments that yelling at them is not enough. Tantrums in toddlers [...]
Thu, 17.09.2009 16:26
I appreciate your sharing of this situation and applaud your directness with the principle that your goal is to remove [...]
Sat, 29.08.2009 17:03
Hi there, I am totally with you with the no spanking. I was telling my mum the other day about my 2.4yr old son hitting [...]
Mon, 06.04.2009 20:06
My seven year old son cries alot. I can completly relate with the parent. It is something you worry about when [...]
Tue, 24.02.2009 16:31
This is great stuff! My husband and I were wondering what was happenig to our son who just turned 7. He was very tough [...]
Sat, 03.01.2009 23:49
Thanks for the article, It was important to hear the part about not bottling up emotions otherwise later in life, that [...]
Wed, 24.12.2008 00:11
my two year old daughter cries all the time and i don't know what is wrong.she gets up at night and scamming and then [...]
Wed, 12.11.2008 21:10
I did this one time, my kids had slept over at a friend's house and were up 'til all hours and super crabby the next [...]
Sat, 04.10.2008 18:55
We are in a similar situation. I am curious what the outcome was?
Fri, 11.07.2008 11:54
Parenting Advice: Find Parenting Resources on Websites All parents want to be the best parent we can be for our [...]