Will Santa Claus Be Making An Appearance On The 4th Of July?

     Why do America's retail businesses believe holiday shopping and Christmas displays need to begin earlier and earlier every year?  Traditionally, in the past, the day after Thanksgiving was the first day department stores, discount establishments and other retail outlets would commence promoting sales for the Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa season.

     This year, on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - which was the day after Labor Day - I personally witnessed an entire "Christmas Center" - filled with trees, ornaments, lights, tinsel and all the other merchandise to decorate their customers' homes - in a major American emporium.

     This morning, Monday, November 26, 2012, I happened to catch a television news story which reported that some national retailers are already planning their marketing strategies for next year; and intend to begin their Christmas promotions and store displays in July 2013.  Who wants to be thinking of "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping at your nose" when it's 80, 90 or even 100 degrees outside; and all anyone wants to do is go swimming?

     I can just imagine Santa Claus making his first appearance of the year at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City instead of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

     Why must we rush everything?  Americans - at least some - are these days becoming more and more impatient with everything.  But come on... give me a break.  Christmas in July?

     I like the holiday season just as much as the next guy; and I embrace and endorse as much Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa spirit as anyone else - but during the late autumn and early winter - not over the summer.

     A beautiful Christmas Nativity scene, an elegant menorah candelabrum and a stunning kinara display are charming sights of the season; and they and other holiday decorative objects give me a warm and fuzzy feeling with memories of being with old friends and family.  But...can't we wait until after the fireworks, after the trick or treaters, and after we've "gobbled" up all the turkey before we start hearing "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells" in our retail stores? 

     Don't be surprised if by 2014, you see the Easter Bunny

hitching a ride to your local Easter Egg Hunt 

on a sleigh being pulled by 8 flying reindeer.

    

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Copyright 2012 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.