Outside the Seasonal Box

I saw many Christmas items at a department store today -- 99 days before Christmas. That's a full 27% of the calendar year. I hope Earth 2.0 retailers grasp the true meaning of "season" before displaying their seasonal offerings. To whatever extent you want to get involved in this quandary, I would welcome it.

Maybe a risk-and-reward system is in order. If retailers stretch a universally recognized season such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day or Cinco de Mayo to unreasonable lengths, give everyone involved in the decision flu-like symptoms for a weekend. Gradually, they will learn to think outside the seasonal box. Consumers would have one less thing to complain about and, therefore, would be happier as these momentous holidays come and go. Happier people are more inclined to spread their joy and help others.

When I see Christmas stockings for sale 99 days before the Big Day, I am more inclined to punch a stranger than to ask if there's anything at all I could do to improve his current mood or his station in life. Maybe I'm exaggerating. I'd probably just step on his toes moderately hard. Punching could invite legal action, and that certainly wouldn't be in the spirit of the Christmas season.