Christmas around the world

when does the holiday season begin

[mab89]

I live in the NE United States. Around here it seems that every year the Christmas decorations are making their appearance earlier and earlier. This year I went out on November 4th and stores already had them up.

Given that the US celebrates Thanksgiving the last Thursday in November, and Black Friday (the day after) officialy kicks off the holiday shopping season, I was curious what other countries do.

When do you start to see Christmas decorations in stores in your countries?

Also, what date is it that these busineeses consider the holiday shopping season officially started?

[Distel]

No decorations yet, but yesterday I heard the first irritating Christmas tune in the supermarket, and about two weeks ago, I bought a doll wearing a Santa's hat as part of my godchild's Christmas gift.

[hannamyluv]

November 4th

Great Lakes US, I saw decoration up at least a week before Halloween. Cripes! Who buys fake Xmas trees that early?

[DrDoc]

In Sweden the Christmas season begins December 1st. Christmas itself lasts from Dec 25th - Jan 13th.

Well, actually, Christmas sort of begins on the 24th @ 3pm when then entire Swedish nation (pretty much) is watching "Donald Duck with friends" for an hour. It is THE most viewed program every year.

[Shannon Moore]

"Fresh" cut Christmas tree stands were already putting up there tents here (Texas) the week after Halloween.

Two homes within view of my own have had their Christmas lights up and on every night since last weekend!