Christmas in stores ALREADY?

It was still 84 degrees here in Seattle, WA (in mid-September that's pretty awesome!) and I walked into Fred Meyer to be bombarded by Halloween decorations and costumes, okay that's to be expected, BUT turning up the next aisle I was amazed to see that signiture red and green of Christmas.  Have stores become so driven by the holiday season that they are willing to start promoting it long before we have donned our Witch and Ghost costumes?  No wonder there is an increase in online sales during the holidays, who can stomach the overdose in the stores for 3 1/2 months?

Personally, I love Christmas.  I love the holiday season, but what I cherish is that magical time between Thanksgiving and New Years Day that is filled with the tunes of Bing Crosby and the smell of pine and cinnamon.  More and more each year I get annoyed with the stores trying to steal that magic away by selling Christmas in September!?  I want to enjoy the pumpkins and corn mazes.  I want to get excited about picking out the perfect costume for my Halloween Haunt, I don't want to start thinking about what to buy my mom for Christmas or what lighting decor I will put up this year until I have enjoyed the turning of the leaves that Autumn brings. 

What's next - Christmas lights in stores alongside back to school items and 4th of July picnic sales?

Sound off!