Christmas came early this year. Really early.
In fact it came last week when I saw a sign outside a restaurant saying ‘Book now for Christmas.’ It was August 5.
That’s a massive 26 weeks before Christmas Day. I haven’t even thought about what I’m having for tea tomorrow night, never mind what I might fancy to eat on December 25.
I haven’t started my Christmas shopping and I haven’t thought about where I might ring in the New Year.
So why on earth are businesses trying to tempt me with Christmas offers? I’m still waiting for the summer to properly arrive.
What’s next? Am I going to start hearing Jingle Bells on the radio and in the shops before Autumn arrives?
It’s now only a matter of time before the first singing Santa is heard and the first garish lights appear on homes.
I like Christmas as much as the next person. I enjoy the food, drink and the cheesy music. But I can see it has become far too commercialised.
That in itself is probably a cliché and I’m not about to turn round and say we should all be in church on Christmas morn. I know I won’t be.
The point I’m trying to make is if you ask any youngster what Christmas is about and they will say presents. Show them a picture of Santa and they know immediately who it is. Show them a picture of Jesus and suddenly they’re not so sure.
Ultimately the occasion is a religious festival and although that shouldn’t be forgotten, it doesn’t have to dominate the day.
There’s nothing wrong with buying gifts, and there’s nothing wrong with parties, or spending a day wrestling with fellow shoppers at a crowded shopping centre.
But Christmas is a time to celebrate family and friends as well.
And that is something which in a modern busy world is all too often forgotten.
Alex James writes a weekly blog published every Monday on www.newportadvertiser.co.uk
View his previous blog here