Monday, November 19, 2007

Seasons' Bleatings.

So, it's that time of year again. Christmas is creeping up on us like a stalker with Hush Puppies; shopping centres have already decorated themselves to the point of destroying the planet with lights and plastic decor, and the tv and radio are full of Christmas deals and offers. Yes. It's mid November.

The big question for me is this:

When is the 'right' time to start promoting Christmas? I mean, late November and you risk missing the boat. Late October (like DFS this year) and you risk being the brand that everyone screams "It's not bloody Christmas yet!!!" at.

Perhaps we need to see brands embrace progressive Christmasisation (now theres a word); in other words, start in early November with only a small hint of the season. Then gradually add tinsel, santa images and jingly music over the course of 4/5 weeks. That way you get in early whilst respecting those who aren't obsessed with all things red.

..what do you think?

6 comments:

Nick said...

In the States, Thanksgiving takes up most people's attention before the full-on Christmas buildup, which keeps things a little more sane (well, until they festoon their houses with enough lights to drain an entire coal mine every day). Maybe we should, if not adopt Thanksgiving, at least hold off on the Christmas thing until then.

Rob Mortimer (aka Famous Rob) said...

Perhaps thats it. Create a new day that allows shops and greeting card companies to flog stuff. That way they will hold back on the Christmas gubbins til its actually slightly near December!!

Anonymous said...

http://isitchristmas.com/

It's definitely NOT Christmas yet...

Anonymous said...

It depends where you're coming from. Back where I come from, Christmas starts as early as the Ber months roll in. Christmas decors are slowly making their way up in malls... Christmas carols in trains and stores...

As a personal preference, I start window shopping by September. I'm a Christmas girl and I get so excited over the prospect of buying gifts. Might have something to do with the fact that I was born 5 days before the holiday.

Gavin Heaton said...

I reckon December 1. Put up the tree and get into the mood to spend.

Rob Mortimer (aka Famous Rob) said...

Well that's it really isn't it. 1st December is really the optimum point for Christmas. Anything too over the top before then just seems artificial.

Nothing wrong with early window shopping (especially when you are akid and can't actually buy the things you want) though!