It is a common misunderstanding to think retailers are pushing Christmas earlier and earlier each year. They are not. You are not seeing Christmas decorations at the VON MAUR store. They are displays of Christmas merchandise in the gift department. It is the nature of the retail business and it is true for every holiday and season. Spring merchandise begins to arrive in January. Yes, it also seems strange to think about flip flops in a February blizzard! Do not fret, it is not getting earlier each year, it just feels that way, like my Birthday! :)

Think about the shoppers who buy Christmas merchandise on the 26th of December! They are getting ready a full year ahead of time, now that's early!

R.