Christmas in September!

Isn't it enough that we have to cope with the shortening days, gale force winds from the North Atlantic , rising fuel costs, global warming and the National Health? But why, I ask, do we have to be subjected to Christmas in September? From the beginning of September all the major stores start, tentatively, displaying their Christmas fare. Shelves fill up with dreadful kitsch cards and puddings wrapped in purple paper. By the beginning of October the decorations are out in force and the isles are clogged with busy little Santa's helpers putting out the Christmas goodies - surely mince pies made in October will be disgusting by December the 25th - or are we expected to eat them for three months in advance, in which case I can only say that that the Nation will have had its fill of Mince Pies by the time we get round to the season for them. All the charm of eating a warm pie in front of a crackling fire as one wraps the presents on Christmas eve will be lost for ever. November sees full supermarket isles dedicated to decorations, food, toys, wrapping paper and fairy lights. Children badgering their parents for pre-Christmas treats and the subsequent tantrums as little Hamish is refused, makes any civilised shopping experience a nightmare. From the beginning of December the rush is really on as overstretched bank cards are over used and people hurtle from store to store creating traffic problems, extended shopping hours, and all the other stress's inherent in making sure you haven't forgotten anything. After all the stores will be closed for 24 hours on the 25th........... presumably to start stacking up on Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns. December also sees the start of the Christmas Musak. Endless self respecting artists cash in on the sentimental trash that is pumped out of endless systems across the world - If I have to listen to another Little Drummer Boy and his fucking drum I will probably run berserk throwing Turkeys at the speakers. Oh by the way in all this commercial humbug whatever happened to the true message of Christmas, peace, harmony and families coming together for some quality time.