How Early is Too Early?

In my work as a realtor, I get to see into the lives of people by visiting their homes. It's fascinating to see some of the choices people make with their homes - some good, some bad, and some -- well, you know!  I've seen homes so immaculate I can't believe anyone actually lives there, and I've been in others where the homeowners left dirty dishes all over the kitchen counter and I'm very grateful they didn't ask us to remove our shoes.

Today, while showing homes, I came across two that already had their Christmas trees up and decorated, one complete with wrapped presents underneath. Today is November 14th - it's still two weeks until Thanksgiving. Personally, I still have three rotting jack-o-lanterns on my front porch (we always come into our house through the garage and I forget they're there until someone rings the doorbell); I can't imagine when I'll get around to throwing them away, much less when I'll manage to drag the bins of holiday decorations out of the attic. Usually we do the tree over Thanksgiving weekend; any earlier in the season just seems strange to me. My kids, on the other hand,  would be happy if we left the house decorated all year and have been asking for weeks when Holly (our Elf on the Shelf) will be coming back, so I know there are all kinds of opinions on this subject. What's yours?

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