Christmas in October?

I admit, I have been watching closer than in the past, but I can't believe how early in the year it is to see a Christmas commercial. Here we are on October 10th and I saw a commercial for a company that will set up your Christmas lights. Meanwhile I have noticed more Christmas displays in malls earlier than in any time in my memory.

Last year I wrote the following:

"Before Halloween had come and gone, I saw my first Christmas commercial. I think it was for a car, I don't remember, but it may be the earliest commercial I have seen for this important holiday.I believe I have a pretty realistic view of the past and I am fairly reasonable about not looking at my childhood through romantic eyes, but I believe that commercials for Christmas didn't usually begin until a week before Thanksgiving. That has been creeping to an earlier date year after year to where, eventually, it will probably begin after Independence Day, bringing new meaning to Christmas in July.I understand that Christmas is important. More consumer goods are bought between Thanksgiving and Christmas than any other time of the year. The more that is spent, the more fuel for the economic fire. However, I just want to encourage everyone to not forget the reason for this important holiday season."

I remember that it was the week of October. This year it was October 10th when I saw the first Christmas commercial. My advise this year is the same as last...don't forget the real reason for the season. The volume of commercials we will likely see may make that goal difficult to achieve.

When will Christmas Commercials End?

Usually I complain about Christmas starting too early. I saw commercials as early as October last year. Well, here we are late in January and we are still seeing Christmas theme ads.

No, it is not that "Christmas is right around the corner" spot and you better order online quickly, it wasn't a reminder to pick up something for an in-law, or a list of suggested stocking items. Instead we are told by Special K that you can stop looking like Santa Claus by choosing a large variety of their weight conscious products.

Tonight, I saw a Verizon commercial that reminds me that you can still find their cell phones still on sale. This ad comes with Christmas lights, music, and even a festive phone that reminds us of the season.

I like Christmas. I actually hate to see the season end. But I am not sure what I will do if I see one more Christmas spot.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.