Christmas in August

It’s that time of year when we begin thinking about hot cocoa with marshmallows, walking through the snow, decking the halls and gifts under the tree. WHAT?! It’s only August! But once again the stores are zooming past the end of summer sales, Fall. Halloween and even Thanksgiving to launch the Christmas season. It never ceases to amaze me to be walking through a store in August, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, checking out the latest in tree ornamentation.

Well, today this ever so sneaky marketing strategy sucked me in. It must be my weakness when it comes to the combination of subliminal messages, twinkling lights and shiny tinsel. In a matter of six hours I managed to knock out about 80% of my Christmas and winter birthday gifts. Bing, bang, boom! I even bought gift wrapping accouterments, so everything is neatly bagged, boxed, tissued and adorned, waiting to be shipped. It has been a busy and productive day!

Please don’t get the wrong impression that my shopping habits have much of anything to do with planning ahead or being extremely organized. I just love to buy gifts! It’s really that simple. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so why not try to make it last for four months?! If you add the after-Christmas sales, you can stretch it to five. What a way to spend nearly half the year! Do I hear an Amen?

I have a fabulous partner in crime who taught me everything I know - thanks, Mom! When we hit February, we usually take a break for a while. But about the time the kids head back to school be on the lookout for the signs. It won’t be long before you catch a whiff of evergreen and see a Santa at every turn. My motto is, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Frankly, it’s a heck of a lot more fun! So, Merry Christmas in August!

****This message was paid for by the Merchants of America, who would like to thank you in advance for your patronage this pre-holiday, holiday and post-holiday season. They asked me to remind you to buy often and buy big!**** My advice is to buy on sale and look like you spent a wad. After all, it’s the thought that counts.

Thanks for reading and be well.