I had a summer job some years back during college in a greeting card store. On August 1st they would put out the commemorative ornaments. I kid you not. That's the earliest I've seen stuff by far.

Meh, Home Depot is a just a huge warehouse, they can't not put the xmas stuff out. Where else would they put it?

Once it started coming before thanksgiving my family just gave up and stopped giving presents.

Same here in the UK, there is just no escaping it. And what horrid tat, masses of it, mostly plastic and wood pulp, and mostly one use only. Why not just go out and burn down a forest for fun.

I have heard that what the US alone spends on christmas in one year, would provide enough funds to cure world hunger forever.

Same here. Snagged this photo in our Home Depot over the weekend...

Of COURSE! Those Christians want as much time as possible to shove it down our throats! But--whatever you do--do NOT wish them "Happy Holidays!"