Isn't this taking commercialism too far? The real meaning of Christmas is forgot

Hi oldchem1. I cannot agree with you more that the real meaning of Christmas is lost amidst all these commercialism. And now the boundaries are being pushed further by having Christmas sales at the height of summer in U.K. Well let's hope that the department stores can be more imaginative in future instead of using this very early christmas gimmick.

Well to me this is all one big publiciy stunt, however I am sure they would not open their christmas department if there was no demand for it. My mother in law starts her christmas shopping as soon as the January sales start. But I do agree that christmas is getting earlier and earlier in the UK and the build up to it takes forever. We ususally fly home to the UK on the 23rd December, so our family christmas officiall starts on christmas eve, which is just fine for me.

I totally agree with you ,that is way to early. We have already started our christmas toy sales here and you can lay-by up until christmas ,which is good to put things away and pay them off. But displaying christmas stuff early does take away the true meaning of christmas, and it is just too commercial now.

Hi Oldchem, It is the same when they bring creme eggs out just after Christmas too when Easter is months away. It does take the magicaway and I feel that the very earliest shops should be selling Christmas items is after November the 5th and no early. Over the cousre of the year I will pick up an odd item ready for Christmas but I don't want it rammed in my face daily from the Summer, ridiculous. Huggles. Ellie :D

First of all, Christmas itself does not mean we should buy new things and giving gifts to other people. Since it is celebrated as holiday and as a day where people went back to gather with their family, the tradition of giving gifts has been carried on since the past. I agree with you, bringing up the sale from August will be unreasonable, I imagine keeping the gifts at my room stored for 4 months before giving it away will give me feel that I am not giving a new stuff to other people.

starting Christmas early isn't wrong perhaps but it is for commercial reason not for the true meaning of Christmas

That is too early for the whole trimmings. I do have at least one gift put away in my "gift closet" but I do not want to see Christmas decorations before back to school, Halloween and Thanksgiving. That is just wrong. It is awful for the kids as well. They get very hyped up thinking about Christmas, so why start three months early and make it hard for them to learn and for teachers to teach?

too soon, definitely. but having said that, my company is having the press event for the Christmas range, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it all. last time I went to one it was bizarre. Christmas trees and santa and snowman shaped things, in the beginning of august. strange on a gloriously hot day and walking into a tent full of Christmas. but it was fantastic fun

oldchem1, I do agree with you that this is way too early but amidst of all of our sentiment rattlings, you have to agree that it is a real talking point all round everywhere. Commercialism is indeed at play here and I just cannot blame Selfridges for doing this especially during these challenging times where demand is really very low for the retails domestically. So, with the domestic market at a considerable low, retailers like Selfridges just have to step up their game and tap on the market sentiments both domestically and especially the international as well - tourists. Bottom line, it is survival struggle for all and I feel that the one who takes the initiative will get the "worm" and a bigger slice of the cake. I can understand the timing but with the poor economy today, I don't think we can say much here.

I think that Christmas has definitely lost it's traditional meaning and it's all about High St sales, shopping and things like that! It's a bit disappointing but it's the way things are now! I think it's far too early to start preparing for Christmas but I guess the store is doing what they think is best for them. There is one thing that is true about any kind of Christmas preparations and that is, it creates a good feeling in everyone, it gives us that Christmas spirit! I think it would be nice if we could return to the original meaning of Christmas, it would be nice to have that magic feeling return! For me personally I don't bother about Christmas that much, not having family and so forth! I guess the best time for me is Christmas Day with all those Christmas movies. I'm sure other stores will follow suit once they see the competition preparing for Christmas early! Andrew

Yes your correct, too much commercialism is effecting the true meaning and the spirit of Christmas. They are making Christmas as an opportunity to sell more of their product so they making it longer and earlier. And I do not like it.

Well, I guess I'm a little guilty in here. I used to work a craft fair that was billed as "Christmas in July". I make Christmas ornaments as well as crocheted stuff and they are all in my store year round. I have an online store as well as in my home and I sell my stuff at craft fairs and open markets year round as well. Of course, as for the decorating my home, I don't do that until after Turkey Day (4th Thursday in November) but I have been known to play Christmas music as early as September...sometimes even earlier. I drive my daughter nutso with it. LOL What can I say? I just have the Christmas Spirit all the time.

Hi, I think Christmas is a real profitable trade, although it has its significance for Christians, non-Christians are also celebrating it and this is a worldwide festival. It is no wonder that shops leverage on this.

August is usually when I start my shopping anyway and it would be great to have a good selection in august. I dont like to wait until the last month and feel rushed or unprepared (especially financially). I think its a good way to get people thinkin ahead and they are less likely to charge purchases and incurr more debt.