...to think that 6th November is way too early for Christmas decorations in Costa Coffee ?

[IndigoSpritz]

I couldn't believe it when I walked in this morning and there was tinsel on the ballustrades, stars on the window panes and a Christmas tree on a window ledge.

Has the world gone mad ?

[PhilomenaButterfly]

Same here Breadfoam, but that's only because DS 28 buys all his Lego online, so I buy him a Lego eGift card every birthday and Christmas. DD's top and DS2's dress up will have to be bought online too, because I can't find anything close to what DD wants in the shops, and nowhere seems to have DS2's size. Everything else I hope to buy in the shops.

[IndigoSpritz]

However, I have obtained a copy of the Booth's Christmas catalogue. It came out about three weeks ago so it beats Costa. I haven't looked at it yet - should be eye-watering ! I once totalled the cost of everything in a Booth's Christmas catalogue. It topped £15,000.00.

[siakcaci]

Nov 6th is always the date that Christmas arrives at Costa.

It's actually the first Thursday of November....

[IndigoSpritz]

Fair point, E4, but a Christmas menu in November, when it is still autumn, is preposterous. I guess it's just cynical marketing when all said and done.

PS. I DO like the Black Forest hot chocolate but I wait until December. Otherwise I'd be bored of its decadence too early.

[Tunnocks34]

I love it! I normally hold off until December 1st before putting my declarations up but I’m tempted to go a week or two early this year!

[Cthulwho]

The Costa at my workplace started serving the Christmas range of drinks and food on Halloween.

Hate me if you like, but I had one of their "ultimate Christmas toastie"s on Friday. In my defence, I'm 7 months pregnant and saw it and REALLY wanted it

[greendale17]

Yes it is ridiculous and overkill

[E4e2756611]

It isn't exactly desperate so doesn't depend on seasonal trade booms.

It doesn't depend on them, but consumers demand seasonal products. The menu is regularly updated and altered; it doesn't remain constant. The Christmas menu is popular simply because it is more decadent and a 'treat'.

[UterusUterusGhali]

Two. Fucking. Months of this shit.

I love Xmas, but I don't want it to last 1/6th of the year.

[Oldraver]

I personally think the should wait until after, at least Remembrance Sunday

[Mughalswife]

I think retailers might be missing a trick. I would rather shop somewhere that promised not to introduce Christmas decorations and music etc before December. And I suspect lots of people feel the same! There's nothing wrong with buying Christmas stuff now (some preparations have to be done earlier than December), but why do we have to be surrounded by all the trappings of Christmas for so long? If I know I've got to buy Xmas cake ingredients or a present to be posted before the last posting date to the other side of the world, tinsel in November is not going to lure me into a particular shop.

[RottingGooseflesh]

I looove Christmas but it's too early 😩
I haven't even had the need to wear a coat yet, seeing decorations is very discombobulating

[IndigoSpritz]

I don't think Costa has any excuse for this carry-on. It isn't, strictly speaking, in the retail industry but, rather, hospitality and by no means at the sharp end. It's the largest coffee shop chain in the UK with stores and franchises everywhere. It isn't exactly desperate so doesn't depend on seasonal trade booms. Then again, they appear to be getting away with it. I love my Costa visits but I don't approve of their shameless seasonal exploitation.

[ALongHardWinter]

What about the Christmas songs they're playing in there now? . I didn't go in my local Costa's for a few days,and when I went went in there this Sunday just gone,Christmas had arrived! And this was on the FOURTH of November!

[WhatToDoAboutWailmerGoneRogue]

Don’t ever work in a card shop. Christmas cards and music out late July.

[Breadfoam]

sweeney yes but all mine so far has been online! I haven’t bought anything from a shop.

[Homethroughthepuddles]

Sweeny I don't think anyone's in any doubt that the ever earlier appearance of Christmas decorations and music is down to commercial decisions.

But that doesn't mean it's okay or that it isn't annoying for those of us who don't like the way that Christmas seems to be beginning earlier and earlier every year, or the increased focus on buying stuff and spending large amounts of money.

[fuckitbuckit]

One house we trick or treated at was in the middle of putting their Christmas tree up.... she came to the door with a bowl of sweets and the hallway had baubles and tinsel everywhere :( kids were in back room putting the tree together in their Halloween outfits

[ManonBlackbeak]

Next in my local town centre has a huge Christmas tree in the window, and has done for about the last fortnight.

[sweeneytoddsrazor]

But thats exactly the point @Breadfoam. You , and countless others are already Christmas shopping and stores want your custom. So when you are in them they are reminding you that your Christmas shopping is underway and you are far more likely to make a purchase. If everybody started shopping in Dec thats when the stuff would come out.

[JellyBaby666]

My bigger issue with Costa is despite it not being remotely Christmas yet they've got rid of their autumnal drinks! Went in for a pumpkin spice latte last week (Thursday, so 1st Nov) and the bloke there laughed at me!

[Breadfoam]

A lot of shops put their Christmas displays up in October. I do feel when Christmas (which is essentially just two days) takes over a quarter of the year it is getting out of hand.
The Range were playing Christmas songs yesterday. I find it all just feels a bit forced when it’s so early. I can’t get excited about it and then by December I’ve had enough. It would be more special if it was just during December which is what I count as the ‘festive season.’
I’ve started my Christmas shopping to spread the cost... but that doesn’t make it Christmas.

[Homethroughthepuddles]

I agree. No decorations or Christmas music until December 1st. That way the magic and excitement might actually last until Christmas day and beyond. Rather than people ripping down their trees on Boxing Day.

[Devillanelle]

'They should all be banned before December, this just sucks all the fun out of Christmas '

This annual whingefest sucks the fun out of it for me. YABU OP.

[puzzledlady]

I think it’s wonderful. My grandmother won’t see another Christmas and she loves Christmas so I want her to see as much of Christmas as she can - is that so wrong?