As I write this it’s the middle of October and I’ve been seeing Christmas commercials on TV for a couple weeks already!

This isn’t new. For many years Christmas ads start in late September. I don’t get it. Christmas is not one of the holidays that comes on a different day every year. It’s always Dec. 25. I believe I can speak for everyone when I say we all know when Christmas will be. We’re not likely to forget. Duh!

The advertisers are the ones responsible for the early onslaught of commercials. I guess they’re afraid we will forget their specialty foods, one of a kind decorations, and the new toys. I see Tickle Me Elmo is back. He’s cute. But hearing about his return every few hours this early is a little much.

“Back in the day” we started our shopping after Thanksgiving. Do we really need four months today to shop? I don’t. I clean up from our Thanksgiving, put up the tree, make my list, and then start shopping.

I have kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, brothers, in-laws, super good friends, a bank, a hairdresser, a mechanic, and a mailman, just like everyone else in America. I even make three kinds of candy for some of the gifts. Even with starting after Thanksgiving, I guarantee you I’ll get it all done, without stress, and plenty of time to spare too — without four months of “reminders!”

Dottie Flaugher

Wilmington