Is Christmas over marketed?

[Ra]

Yeah, dumb question. We all know how Christmas is marketed by the media and stores, but is anyone noticing that is it happening to soon? Or a bit more over the top than usual? (Remember, I'm saying over marketed, not over rated).

I bring this up due to the fact that on Halloween, I saw Christmas trees available in shops. It made me tilt my head, but it didn't bother me. Fast forward to, what, roughly two weeks later, and I'm seeing snow machines, pine trees, decorations, add specials for the holiday. I'm hearing Christmas carols in the shops, and at one point an entire store DEVOTED to selling Christmas lights. And this is the second, going onto third, week in November. I can understand why these guys are advertising Christmas like crazy, but so much so soon? Yeah...

Anyway, is it just me and my idiot brain going haywire, or is Christmas being way over marketed?

[Jo Dawn]

Yes. Disgustingly so. Same way as people are entirely too materialistic an feel 'entitled'. Christmas has lost it's actual meaning and is now just... over the top. I hate those people that trample others just so another bratty child can be brought up to be an even bigger grown up brat.

It's just everyone trying to get ahead of everyone else, and it's a sad state of affairs.

[Ra]

I'm glad that someone has taken notice. Last year when I saw the premier of "The Happy Elf" on Cartoon Network, I had offically given up all hope that Christmas wouldn't be overmarketed. I think at the turn of this century was the major pimping of Christmas marketing.

Once upon a time Christmas was all about giving and sharing and not packaging it all up and mailing it to everyone as sweaters and little plastic toys that fall to bits after one use.

Another good example of over marketing and lack of Christmas meaning is last year, when I heard a little girl screaming her head off because her dad wouldn't buy her a Barbie doll something-arther. She was screaming not just because of that, but because of the fact that she "wanted it for Christmas". I honestly wish that kids would actually understand that Christmas has more meaning. When I was their age (god, listen to me, I'm sounding like a grandmother ), I actually BELIEVED in the spirit of giving and recieving. If you give something, you will recieve something in return that is of equal value. I'm very sure this is due to the overmarketing of Christmas, and not focusing on what it is all about.

Sometimes the world just makes me sick.

[Peanut]

That's just the way it works in a store. They move from one thing to another. As a scan-coordinator, I see when product launches begin happening, when marketing starts for different seasons, and the reasons behind all of it.

It has a lot to do with companies that just move from season to season with their products. They finish up on Halloween, and move on to the next thing. On top of that, most stores have seasonal sections, so what are you expecting them to do? Leave it bare for a month, or keep old Halloween stuff? No, of course not.

Starting with Christmas carols and things at this time of year? Yeah, that's over-blown, but when it comes to promoting and and introducing products for Christmas, this is what has to be done. Lots of people tend to be starting their holiday shopping earlier and earlier too, so I don't see any problem with it.

Originally Posted by Jo Dawn

Yes. Disgustingly so. Same way as people are entirely too materialistic an feel 'entitled'. Christmas has lost it's actual meaning and is now just... over the top. I hate those people that trample others just so another bratty child can be brought up to be an even bigger grown up brat.

It's just everyone trying to get ahead of everyone else, and it's a sad state of affairs.

Maybe Christmas has lost it's meaning to you. Maybe in your eyes and in what you see, it's a shame, but you've either got your eyes closed, or you're just another one of those people who thinks they're above everyone else, above material things and stats symbols, but I very much doubt that, very few are. Unless you're going out and "giving to your fellow man", feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, don't go off on one of these stereotypical holiday nay-saying rants.

[愛]

Christmas has been like this for a very long time. Ever since the disposable income of the average person has vastly increased, the more they can afford to get their son/daughter for Christmas, and the more spoiled kids become. But hey, that's the way it goes. Can't change it. You can try, good luck with that, but I got things to do...and games to play.

[VaughnMichael]

christmas comes sooner and sooner every year it seems...I was shocked also to see christmas iteams in stores on halloween but wasn't all that suprised to be quite honest I expected it.

[Ra]

Originally Posted by Putrescent

christmas comes sooner and sooner every year it seems...I was shocked also to see christmas iteams in stores on halloween but wasn't all that suprised to be quite honest I expected it.

Yeah, I know. I'm just worried that five or ten years from now we're going to see Christmas specials in July. I understand about marketing, but come on! Christmas items on Halloween?! I think they are taking the saying "The early bird catches the worm" a little too seriously.

[Peanut]

But you're thinking of a single place. Everywhere in the world doesn't have Christmas stuffed piled to the ceilings in October. You're over exaggerating and basing your opinions on your sole experiences.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Peanut

But you're thinking of a single place. Everywhere in the world doesn't have Christmas stuffed piled to the ceilings in October. You're over exaggerating and basing your opinions on your sole experiences.

and why not it's the american way! also everywhere in the world doesn't have christmas

[damnhooligan]

Is Christmas overmarketed?! Is the Pope Polish? Wait... That doesn't work anymore.

It doesn't bother me, honestly. I don't celebrate Christmas, so it really doesn't matter one way or another to me. But I can understand how it pisses off a lot of people. One of the most Holy days in the Christian calendar, in the eyes of the many of the newer generation of followers has pretty much just dissolved into a sugar-coated, elf-riddled, mass of cloyingly sweet commercial goo.

[Voltron]

Originally Posted by Ra

Yeah, I know. I'm just worried that five or ten years from now we're going to see Christmas specials in July.

*cough*Christmas in July*cough*

I love Christmas. It's awesome. Bright lights. Presents. Fat guys flying around on reindeer propagating the slavery of midgets in the harsh, cold, Canadian tundra.

On a serious note: Who cares how much Christmas is marketed? In the off chance that you try to change the tradition then nobody likes you. Hell, would you hang out with someone who didn't give presents on Christmas? There was a story about that a long time ago called "The Christmas Carol," where the main character totally screwed everyone over and his soul was consumed by three spirits commanded by some crippled wizard named Tyrant Tim.

Originally Posted by damnhooligan

Is Christmas overmarketed?! Is the Pope Polish? Wait... That doesn't work anymore.

It doesn't bother me, honestly. I don't celebrate Christmas, so it really doesn't matter one way or another to me. But I can understand how it pisses off a lot of people. One of the most Holy days in the Christian calendar, in the eyes of the many of the newer generation of followers has pretty much just dissolved into a sugar-coated, elf-riddled, mass of cloyingly sweet commercial goo.

So has Easter.

Summer has, too, in many respects. It's just that marketing for that isn't focused on one single day.

The point is that WE are supposed to keep these days significant, not corporations. It's a question of individual moral, not the virtue of the masses. Giving presents is still keeping with the context of the charitable character of the event. If you feel anything is too overmarketed, then just don't concern yourself with it.

Or move to Iran.

[Jo Dawn]

Originally Posted by Peanut

Maybe Christmas has lost it's meaning to you. Maybe in your eyes and in what you see, it's a shame, but you've either got your eyes closed, or you're just another one of those people who thinks they're above everyone else, above material things and stats symbols, but I very much doubt that, very few are. Unless you're going out and "giving to your fellow man", feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, don't go off on one of these stereotypical holiday nay-saying rants.

Actually, I'd like to thank you for actually knowing someone before making such accusations as per how materialistic I am or how much charity work I do (note: Heavy sarcasm). It's unfair to the other person to not ask first before berating them, and it's immature.

Christmas has it's meaning to me, all right. And it's the ACTUAL meaning. Not about expensive gifts or HOW MANY I CAN GET. That's ludicrous and it makes me sad.

Unless you're going out and "giving to your fellow man", feeding the hungry and clothing the poor, don't go off on one of these stereotypical holiday nay-saying rants.

Thanks, but my December calender is always completely full from morning to night, all except for an average TWO days a year. Where I am going out to do charity work and the such. December is a huge month for me, so whether it is working with someone to get food (donating anything from canned goods to a turkey), buying toys or clothes for children who have none... And in the past few years as my expenses themselves have gotten low, even going and playing music at nursing homes, or singing for people that no one else visits at places such as those also, I AM out there 'giving to my fellow man'.

[Raph's Girl]

I totally agree. A couple days before Halloween I went to the store and right next to all the halloween stuff was Christmas stuff. Seriously WTF?! I went home and complained about the lack of Thanksgiving decorations.

It's like you go down and isle and are like "Ho Hum... stupid Halloween decorations..." and BAM! On that same isle you're hit with Christmas stuff! But...it's too early!! I don't even decorate till like 2 weeks before Christmas (ok we um actually still have lights hanging in the house from last christmas ).

[Jester]

I agree with Jo, and here's why:
I was flipping through the TV Guide one Christmas season and happened upon "The Smurfs' Christmas Special". I read the summery and was intrigued. The Smurfs learn the "true meaning of Christmas" it read, could it be true? Then I tuned in and to my suprise (or maybe I wasn't suprised, I can't remember) the "true meaning of Christmas" wasn't that the ultimate gift was born over 2000 years ago in a stable in Bethlehem, but that one should be kind to others and that the spirit of love and giving is the "true meaning of Christmas". I'm not opposed to that, that idea's great. but it's not the "true meaning of Christmas". The fact that most of the stores I visit now have Christmas decorations up and Thanksgiving's not even past yet makes my heart sink. There's a holiday where we should give thanks for our bounty and give to those less fortunate, but it gets lost in the over-marketing of Christmas. Sad, truely sad.

[Voltron]

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd that's game! I'm locking this thread now (for awhile, at least) before it gets way out of hand.

If you guys have to say something, say it over PMs.

[Krang]

Thread cleaned up and reopened. Let's make sure to keep the comments from getting too personal this time (and if they do, use PMs like Voltron suggested).

[Dinny]

Back to the topic; it's possibly even worse in Europe because we don't have Thanksgiving and halloween isn't such a big deal (although it's getting bigger every year) so the major department stores put up their Christmas decorations as soon as the summer holidays are over. Britain does have Guy Fawkes Day in between, but that's not really a materialistic holiday, it's just become an excuse to have fireworks.

[Duke]

Originally Posted by Jo Dawn

And in the past few years as my expenses themselves have gotten low, even going and playing music at nursing homes, or singing for people that no one else visits at places such as those also, I AM out there 'giving to my fellow man'.

Before I went off to college and gained actual responsibilities that require too much time), I used to visit nursing homes. And I actually miss it alot of times. Actually, when I'm finally done with school and regain free time, it is something I plan to start doing again. Seeing the look on their faces (the elderly who receive no other visitors) when a complete stranger comes to spend time with them is one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever had in life. And an experience I'd recommend to anyone who has a few hours to spend.

[Doppleganger]

Christmas stuff is being put up after Halloween. O_o o_O I guess it's not a huge deal but c'mon seriously. What about Thanksgiving?

[Spitfire]

Dashing through the store
In a one man open cart
O'er the consumers we go
Yelling all the way
Products on shelfs disappear
Making buyers yell
What fun it isn't to shop and murder
A buying crap tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Christmas all the way
Oh, what fun it is to buy
In a one man open cart
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Christmas all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one man open cart

A day or two ago
It was Halloween
And witches filled the stores
Now it's only November first
And Christmas is on sale
Misfortune shines on you
When you check your bank account
And you are broke and thru

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Christmas all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one man open cart
Christmas all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one man open cart

It doesn't rhythm much but that's about what it's like to work in retail during Christmas. yes I wrote that out of boredom.