Ok, I admit it.  I bought some Christmas presents for Hannah's friends a couple of weeks ago.  It was so out of character for me--a person who holds fast to the belief that each holiday deserves its day and its season to celebrate.  But, the items were on sale and they weren't picked over yet.  So I gave in.

Truth is, I hate the blurring of the holidays.  I cringe when I see Halloween pumpkins next to Tom turkeys which are next to jingle bells on the shelves.  It is just too much, too soon.  

Just the other day, one of the radio stations my daughter and I listen to started playing Christmas music.  It was November 1.  We vowed not to listen to that station again until after the holidays.  

Today, I read where retailers are not only moving up the timeframes in which they promote holiday gift giving, now they are moving their employees into working on holidays.  Target, Wal-Mart and  Best Buy are going to open their doors at midnight on Thanksgiving so people can start shopping before the turkey is even in the oven.  

Are you kidding me?  It has lots of people upset.  And if it upsets you, go to Change.org and voice your displeasure to Target.

Look, I understand the need to save money this holiday season and every day, for that matter.  But at what point do we let commercialism displace tradition?  When does what we "give" become more important than what we "share?"

Whatever holiday you observe and whatever way you show your friends and family you care, I encourage you to do so on your terms and your timeframe.