I’m not really into the whole retail, commercial, holiday buying binge. I’m the type of person who buys gifts throughout the year and ratholes them. Yes, hate me if you will, but I’m also the type of person who finds them the next year and gives them away as birthday gifts. Earmuffs in July? Why not?
I have a beef with these national chain stores, one in particular, but I won’t name them for two reasons. One, I refuse to give the capitalist pigs any free advertising, let them work for their money. Two, I’m terrified that -cough-Warbucks will break down my door in the middle of the night and cart me off to the bowels of one of their superstores where I’ll be forced to price merchandise as punishment for daring to speak out against them. So, if you don’t hear from me, you’ll know the latter happened. If so, send help. And coffee.
However, before that happens, I want to get something off my chest. Halloween should not begin in August, but out pop the pumpkin shaped Reese cups sure as the days get shorter. Where I’m from, they melt into a mishappen lump.**
**However, they refreeze well.
Even more important, Christmas does not begin in October. No, it does not! Nor should the selling of candy, cards, decorations, etc begin prior to let’s say, the first to the middle of November. So.. To what do my wondering eyes should appear as I waded through the Halloween candy aisle this year?
You guessed it, a life-sized Santa and his eight singing reindeer. Halloween was instantly usurped by the fat man and that vainglorious Vixen! Children were no longer worried about their costumes and candy, now they wanted to know “When are we getting toys!” I wanted to tell the rude red suited one to wait his turn, however, it was too late, the damage had been done.
Retailers need to learn a thing or two from romance authors who know that the name of the game is sex sells! anticipation! Build it up. Halloween–candy. Thanksgiving–food. Christmas–toys!! New Years–parents get drunk and act like idiots and if you play your cards right– more toys!! But seriously, in today’s world of give it to me now, right now, now now now! Nobody has anything left to look forward to anymore.
You know I’m right and if you don’t all you have to do is walk around the Christmas aisle where I’ll bet you’ll find they’re getting ready to put out..
Valentine’s Day Candy!
6 COMMENTS
Nancy
17 years agoI signed up for your newsletter a few weeks ago and I’m so happy I found this blog part of it too!
The posts are so fun and interesting and explore everything I just adore about books!
Susan Kelley
17 years agoI so agree about putting out the holiday things earlier and earlier. The stores were playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and it came early this year. With the warm fall, the leaves haven’t even all fallen from my trees. How can I think Christmas shopping when I didn’t rake the leaves yet. Oh well, maybe we have a big storm and it will blow them all into the neighbor’s yard. Then maybe I can think of shopping. I hope the Christmas things are still available.
Claudine
17 years ago AUTHORThanks Nancy! As you can see,I love to yack. LOL. My little clammerings have nothing to do with books, most times, but the others do. Glad you like them
Claudine
17 years ago AUTHORI know Susan. I tried playing Christmas music, but they said me singing at the top of my lungs and shaking my butt down the aisle to Jingle Bell Rock violated the noise ordinance, three Constitutional Rights and at least one of the Geneva Conventions. Whatever! I’m not at war with Wal-Mart, not yet anyway. That’s not until next week when I’m really desperate.
Jennifer McKenzie
17 years agoOMG!!! They had Valentine’s Day stuff up BEFORE CHRISTMAS at the Rite Aide here in town.
I was just stunned.
Georgie Lee
17 years agoI saw the Valentine’s Day stuff out in December too. Who is buying chocolate hearts in December? And who wants to eat a chocolate heart someone bought in December?