Anyone who has ventured to the shops recently would have more than likely found it difficult to escape from all the Christmas stock now out on the shelves. Halloween has not even passed yet, however, ghoul costumes, witches hats and Dracula teeth are taking second place to festive goods. We also still have fireworks and bonfires to look forward to on November 5th. Nevertheless, since September, large tins of Christmas chocolates, chocolate coins, selection boxes and other themed fancies have appeared almost everywhere you look in the shops.



It is not only the stores which believe it is almost December 25th, I stood amazed as fairy lights were wrapped around trees and big candle lights were put up in the city centre early October. Summer has barely gone, yet the festive season seems to have already arrived. Most restaurants, pubs or bars you go to are advertising their special Christmas meals, deals or drink offers. Many places even splash out on a decorated tree to make sure their festive advertisements are noticed for sure. Of course these businesses want to secure bookings in advance, but isn't advertising in September a bit excessive? Surely most people do not even know who will be coming to stay during the holiday season and therefore can not book a table anyway.

I am not trying to be a Scrooge, in fact I love Christmas. It is actually my favourite time of year and that is why it is irritating when the excitement is diluted over a four month period. It is hard not to feel that preparing so early for December 25th takes the fun and novelty away from the special time of year.

Understandably, there are some positive elements with regards to getting ready for Christmas early. Some people work all the time and therefore appreciate being able to get a few presents well in advance, with the added bonus of lights and often festive music.

The nights start drawing in rapidly in October, the temperature starts to drop and therefore the season to be jolly starts to enter people's minds. They may pick up a few goodies here and there, which helps eliminate the festive rush and gives the shops a possible increased income. If there are a lot of families like mine, chocolate coins bought in October will not last until December. There is also the minute hope that crowds won't be so big in December, although that is a very minute hope.

I personally believe, however, that Christmas should be kept until the month of December and shops should prepare for the first day of Advent. Advent calendars clearly need to be sold before the first of December, yet in my opinion it is unnecessary to sell them before November. This way people are not sick of the sight of decorations and lights by the time December comes. People will not hum Rudolph the red nosed reindeer whilst trick or treating and the holiday season remains special. Eating minced pies and chocolate money in October completely spoils the idea of these being goods for a special occassion. You wouldn't wear silly hats and pull crackers during an average roast dinner, so why not save festive treats for the festive season- December.