Christmas?!?

OK I'm still amazed, although I guess I shouldn't be. It's not quite mid October and the grocery store has Christmas displays in the front window. Now, when I was a kid I don't remember Christmas being touted until after Thanksgiving. At least after Halloween. I mean, come on. Christmas time may be a favorite time of year-but how can it be special if it starts so early? Let us celebrate Halloween first, then the rest of autumn, before Christmas. On that note...I have to go wrap Christmas presents. Seriously. I'm meeting friends from out of state Saturday and we're exchanging gifts to avoid shipping! Sigh.