Ocean County Mall Getting Ready for Christmas

Today is October 30th, the day before Halloween.  The leaves are scattered all over from a slight breeze in the air and it's just a beautiful fall day - at least it was until....

I rarely go to the mall, but I did today and I'm sorry I did because it just took away my Autumel mood cause BOOM - right in center court I see the beginning of Santa's Village.  SANTA'S VILLAGE!  It's not even Halloween yet.  I haven't heard my first trick or treat and I get hit with Christmas?

It used to be Halloween, Thanksgiving, THEN Christmas.  The industry has taken away any anticipation of the holiday.  I remember as a child not seeing my first sign of Christmas until the Friday after Thanksgiving and THAT was exciting because I knew Santa was right around the corner.  What do the kids of today have to look forward to anymore?  They've taken the fun away and by the time Christmas rolls around we're sick of it and can't wait to put the decorations away.  All I can do is shake my head and vow that I'm going to keep my tradition for November 27th.

P.S.  As I'm writing this, there's a commercial on a TV with KMart telling me that I better get in there and put my stuff on layaway otherwise there won't be any left and I don't want my children to be disappointed!

What Do You Think?  When is it too early for Christmas?