Regardless of what the big retailers would have you believe, it is NOT Christmas yet.

I used to be a real stickler and say that Christmas can’t start until after Thanksgiving. You can’t start playing Christmas music, you can’t put up Christmas decorations, and you certainly can’t start Christmas shopping until the Friday after Turkey Day.

However, I have now been married over ten years to a wonderful woman who sneaks Christmas songs on her iPod in April. Who, if you pay attention, can be heard quietly humming “Frosty the Snowman” in mid-summer. Who’s face lights up like the Griswold’s house at site of the first Christmas decorations in the mall (which is now reaching into September… *groan*).

So, I will make this small concession. I will allow that the Christmas Spirit may be on the loose before Thanksgiving. I will do my best not to grumble and curse when jolly songs and snowmen appear at the mall along side Jack-o’-lanterns. BUT!!! You can NOT call it “Christmas Time” until after my birthday on November 10th.

<ThinlyVailedExcuseToPanderForGifts>Speaking of my birthday…</ThinlyVailedExcuseToPanderForGifts>

…I just updated my T-Shirt Wishlist. Go check it out!!