It's only the middle of October for goodness sake!

We visited a local garden centre yesterday and were overwhelmed with an enormous display of things Christmassy; much of it exceedingly tacky and all of it, very expensive.









Glistening ice clad polar bears, tree lights that looked like real flames, Father Christmas in every size, shape, and form (some rather scary looking - perhaps trying to catch the Hallowe'en market at the same time).

Feathery angel wings .... where on earth do they come in the scheme of things?





How can there be fun and excitement to the build up of Christmas if it starts in the middle of October? Surely a parent's nightmare, with this time scale children will no doubt have changed their ideas multiple times before Christmas Day does finally arrive.

It's not just the children either; how about an Advent calendar for your cat or dog ? Next year no doubt the rabbit and guinea pig gap in the market will be filled with their very own snack filled calendar. If that is not enough, try a Santa outfit for your dog.


 Or am I just being a grumpy old Scrooge?