Oh, that’s actually worse than I thought.

I’ve changed my mind. They should keep it indoors.

re: Christmas starting early. I’m ok with it towards the end of November tbh. Nothing was as commercial back then though. I guess I’m coming at this from the other side of the counter so to speak and my post reflected that.

I would love to live a simpler life and not have to concern myself with all the “stuff” of modern life. Maybe the new year will force some changes on me – hopefully I can take on the challenge.

All the best

To help you put with Brown Thomas, here’s a video I shot on the N95 on Tuesday. The audio hasn’t been enhanced in any way. So, Tuesday evening, 13 minutes past 6 on the 25 November, this from across the road. I hope it gives you some sense of how loud the music was, despite all the passing people.

Apologies for forcing Mariah on you, dude!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYbN5SNe4I

As for the early Christmas – well, what if it started on December 8, the traditional culchie day? Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t remember this huge build-up to a commercial Christmas 20 years ago – admittedly it was Kilkenny, but I don’t think there was loads of stuff in the shops until December. I just don’t see how a child now can be excited about it being Christmas other than it being about presents, shops and all the stuff you can get.

Yes, I’ll be celebrating the end of the year before the 24/25 – in fact I’m attending a Christmas Ball tomorrow night. Doesn’t mean I have to like the music blasting at me. I’d prefer to get into the spirit meself, not have it thrust on me.

I’m no fan of Christmas starting early myself – and I have blogged about this already – but at this stage (late November) people are doing their Christmas shopping and the bit of festive music is no big affront.

When you say it’s not Christmas for a month, you’re right – but are you saying you won’t be attending Christmas parties/events before December 24th/25th and getting into the festive spirit?

It’s Christmas and a bit of Christmas spirit and flexibility is surely in order.

No, AJ, it’s not Christmas. Not for a month. Having heard a really terrible, cheap, sounds-like-it-came-from-the-bargain-bin of Tower Records cover of the Twelve Days of Christmas blasting out of the shop, drowning out the buskers, the charity collectors and the phone call I was having at the time, I think they might have a point in wondering WHY they’re doing this?

There’s a difference between decent and invasive marketing. Certainly what I experienced was the latter.

Similarly, their display, though fancy, is immemorable and tacky. Same old, same old traditionless stuff. It could be summer’s with holly, if you get me.

I sound very negative but I’m quite disappointed by them.