OK, here's a serious question for you-- have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

If you are anything like me, the thought of Christmas hasn't even entered your mind yet.

Last I checked, it's September. In my opinion, it's still practically summer. I haven't put away my sun dresses, I'm still wearing flip flops, and I know, deep down, we still have a few 80+ days left before the real cold weather comes our way.

So, imagine my surprise when I saw on Facebook that several of my friends have already started shopping for Christmas.

Really?? Are they really that organized?? Or are they just trying to make everyone else jealous of their admirable ambition? And, the real question is, why would you even WANT to start thinking of Christmas at this point?

It seems each year, the seasons get shorter and shorter. Summer is apparently over once the 4th of July has come and gone. Back to school supplies appear at the end of July. Halloween supplies start popping up at the end of August. And now, apparently, Christmas shopping start in September.

What happened to the Christmas shopping season? You know, the one that starts after Thanksgiving, which is still over 2 months away. In my opinion, that's when Christmas shopping should occur. There's something about that time of year that really instills the Christmas spirit in me.

So, to all my friend who have started Christmas shopping-- I admire your go get'em attitude, but really...slow it down. Enjoy the fall. Pick apples, drink hot cider, and take a hike outside. Leave the Christmas shopping for the appropriate time of year...winter.

What do you think? Is it too early for Christmas shopping, or do you like getting a head start on the holiday season?