We were at the mall by our house in Wayne this weekend and I happened to notice this sign about Santa's arrival. Let's forget just how bland this looks -- you're announcing the arrival of Santa Clause -- take a look at the arrival date. November 10th! In a couple of years, Santa will just stay in the mall!
At some point in time, Santa will lose all meaning, if he hasn't done so already, especially when we keep forcing him out of context. Santa shouldn't arrive anywhere until he officially arrives during the Macy's parade. How do I explain to Sydney that Santa has some helpers who need to get here before Santa does? Sorry, it's just not right. Thank heaven's the sign was so crappy that Sydney didn't notice it!
And honestly, it gets very confusing for kids. It's been like 70 degrees here in NY until this week, it's not time to think about Christmas presents. Yea, we know, retail is having a tough year. Do they think that by forcing Santa on us in mid-November things will get better for them? Do they ever worry that by continuing to destroy the traditions that consumers love, they're really hurting themselves? I mean, for all of the things online shopping can do, you can't sit on Santa's lap in cyberspace!
Well, just one man's rant. When do you think is too early for Santa to arrive?
Hi David
I know what you mean, it's getting to be "why bother taking the tree down" =p
In Singapore, one of our tourist spots (Jewel Box, where you catch a cable car out to the closest island) did a light up of "the island's biggest Christmas Tree" on 31 October. And our supermarkets are already playing carols (uugh).
I don't think the magic is in the air until after Thanksgiving... and if we need to do months of it then I'm not sure the magic will get into the air at all.
=) Marc
Posted by: Marc Garnaut | November 06, 2007 at 05:06 AM