It's sad when Christmas comes early.

We didn't have an early Christmas but rather a late one ... well, I guess that it could be considered an early one for the coming year, but that would have meant that we had completely skipped on Christmas for the previous year. Anyway, my parents and some other family members could not make it home (I still live around where we are all from, which in my mind is still "home") for the holidays, so we waited until we could go to them, which was in June of the following year, for us all to celebrate Christmas together. Of course, we did have a Christmas celebration for the children on Christmas, especially since Santa Claus still makes his rounds on the special day, but the adults waited until everybody was together to exchange presents, and the children obviously also got more presents then as well. Doing it this way worked out very well not only because we got to celebrate with family but also because we knew it would be in June, so we could wait until things went on sale to buy them (we did not have the usual "time crunch"), which made it easier on our wallets. It also helped with the clothes buying, because we got the needed winter outfits for the children and relatives got the cute summer outfits as children seem to outgrow clothes faster than we can buy them.

Oh,that's really early. I haven't experienced celebrating Christmas as early as that. I guess it'll be our first time this year because Christmas falls on a Tuesday. I go back to work on Monday so it's not practical for me to go home on Tuesday to celebrate Christmas. I guess my husband and I should talk about it first. Of course, I also want to spend it on the real day.I guess it's my first time to celebrate Christmas away from my family if ever.I'll think about it well. Christmas is just once a year. :)

Well in your friend's case, I totally understand. I can only imagine the "fear" a parent would have for their child that is in the military . . . having them home period would be the best present ever. In late July, the kids went to a birthday party - and it was Christmas themed. Everyone was to wear holiday colors - but of course we were all in our summer clothing. The decor was all Christmas-y, there were Christmas-y refreshments, and some Christmas-y parting gifts. It was a "cute" experience - it was a kids party so what can I say - except that maybe I would have ran the party differently!

Hi ajk It is quite sweet of the parents and the son to have a great time together and I see it as something good for them that they are planning to celeberate early. After all what good celebrations are if you and family arent together. Though, buying stuff would have been difficult here to get the settings and decors done, but I think these wont be a much of issue creators... when there is a will with some good thought behind it, it goes a long way

My family and I celebrate Christmas twice a year, once in September and once in December. Around the world there are certain peoples who always celebrate Christmas in September, certain Christian people, and certain Native American tribes to name a couple. I think that celebrating the spirit of Christmas is great anytime it is able to be celebrated. If it is celebrated in a month other than December, it may not be in sync with the rest of the world, but it is still good to celebrate. I think that anytime a family can come together and express thanks and exchange gifts due to the many blessings that they have been given, it is a good thing. I think that this soldier's family is very happy that they are able to have their son home at all because some soldiers go to Afghanistan and never return back home. I think it is bittersweet for them, but extremely sweet just the same.

Yes i have same thing here in Mexico, one family has invited me to xmas dinner nov. 2nd as their son goes back to Iraq. Does feel strange to say its a xmas dinner. God bless you there.

ajk It is ok and fine, is it not? enjoy early. also enjoy holidays in december when christmas is celebrated by others. i would suggest you enjoy in the company party and also during december.