Every year, the commercial Christmas banners and decorations come out earlier. In the past, we valued and celebrated Thanksgiving, and Christmas displays weren't put out until afterwards.

Nowadays, the advertisements and Christmas hoopla start the day after Halloween. By the time Christmas day has arrived, I'm numb.

You just can't drag a holiday out for two months, and have it remain special.

I hope merchandisers will show some restraint, and not bombard us with Christmas advertisements, until after Thanksgiving Day. It's OK to have the items out on the shelves in advance, for the convenience of early shoppers.

However, I plan to boycott any store that puts up Christmas displays or advertisements before Nov. 27.

George Hansen

Arroyo Grande