Are You Ready for Christmas Like Some Stores in Missoula Are?

It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, let's just pump the breaks right there! As I'm writing this we sit 82 days out from Christmas. We're talking over two-and-a-half months until the fat man comes sliding down the chimney with gifts for all good girls and boys. We're still just under four weeks away from even hitting Halloween. And then there's still Thanksgiving before we even hit December. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas but the first week in October feels a bit too early to be thinking about reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas trees. But that wasn't the case when I walked into the home improvement store today and was transported against my will to a winter wonderland.

My daughter and I headed to the store in search of an extension cord. Knowing how much she loves the Halloween decorations in the neighborhood, I told her we would probably see some pretty fun displays with all kinds of blow-up decorations and things that would really look cool in the yard. Then we walked through the doors and it looked like the North Pole already threw up all over the store.

What is happening right now?

Christmas stuff already? Is this earlier than last year? It sure feels like it. But there it was in all its glory. And today is just the day that I happen to notice it.....it could have been up for a week already. If that's the case, are you telling me they have Christmas stuff out in September? Sheesh!

Halloween - just a distant memory already

I did end up finding the Halloween section. It was reduced to a small portion of a rack with just some odds and ends on it. I get that stores sell their stock and then turn their attention to the next season, but dang, there isn't much for options if you want anything Halloween-related over the next 27 days before Halloween actually arrives.

'Tis' the season

Every time we turn around there's a story about something else that's going to have a shortage because of COVID or shipping issues. And Christmas trees (reel and fake) are actually something that has been mentioned as a possibility. So I guess the good news is that there are trees available as we start our super-early holiday shopping.

What do you think, too early? If you happen to be one of those sickos that welcomes Christmas while we're still having 80-degree days, check out the Christmas-themed photo galleries below.