Jennifer McInnis

'Twas two months before Christmas, and I was the only creature stirring like a mouse.

Confession No. 1: I bought a Christmas tree the day after Halloween.

It was necessary to expose that fact in the effort of full disclosure. This holiday business is officially out of control.

Every year, retailers bust out the Christmas décor earlier and earlier. It's true that the first sight of a Christmas tree now signifies that it's almost time for Halloween. Target had about seven rows dedicated to garland, lights, trees and snowmen the week before Halloween.

Habitual party-planners such as myself find themselves in a quandary. There's always a sale; always a better deal. If I buy it now, am I wasting money? If I wait, am I missing a bargain?

The marketing geniuses have succeeded. Stockpiled in my dining-room drawer are Halloween clearance items for a party yet to be determined for next year.
The stockings have yet to be strung, and I've already plotted and planned my holiday party. Four pages of notes detail where the furniture and decorations will be placed. The menu is set. The invitations are about to go out.

Am I Christmas crazed? Or is this a symptom of a bigger problem? Maybe I'm just a sucker for a sale.

At this rate, I'll be stocking up on Valentine's chocolate by the end of the week. Only, I'll be buying it on discount when the St. Patrick's Day decorations go up.

Confession No. 2: I have been purchasing Christmas presents since September. Is that horrible?

At what point did we so become obsessed with Christmas? Maybe it's the idea of Christmas that I love.

For me, Christmas isn't about tradition. It's about all of the things I treasure: friends, family, good times and memories. And if that costs me a pink Christmas tree the day after Halloween, well, then Merry 'effin Christmas ..... and a Happy New Year to you.

Next year, I'll try to beat the system. I'm going to put up a tree at Halloween and deck it out all “Nightmare Before Christmas.” I've already bought the decorations.