DAILY DIRT: How many are experiencing ‘Christmas fatigue?’

Retailers may need to rethink starting the Christmas season so early … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 802 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I can remember seeing some stores in Quincy beginning to put up Christmas decorations and displays BEFORE Halloween.

A bit too early, you say?

I agree. And apparently we aren’t alone.

“A new survey conducted by CouponBirds revealed out of 1,000 people polled in the U.S., nearly 83 percent say they are sick and tired of the early countdown to Christmas,” wrote Jane Alvarez-Wertz for wavy.com a few weeks ago.

This feeling has been categorized as “Christmas fatigue,” and stems from all the ads, music, decorations and “big sales” leading up to Dec. 25.

Alvarez-Wertz reported that some businesses are now kicking off the holiday season right after Labor Day — that’s way back in September, for those not having a calendar nearby.
Among other survey findings:

• The poll found that more than four in five Americans think Christmas decor in stores goes up way too early.
• And nearly 77 percent of those polled believe social media posts and online shopping ads also start too soon.

In addition, the survey also asked when is the best time to put up Christmas decorations? 

• 44 percent answered November.
• 31 percent said December.

My plan would be a simple one, hopefully combining restraint and (most importantly) common sense:

• No in-store, online, TV, etc., Christmas-related advertising before mid-November. I realize businesses need to make money, and this model would provide six weeks.
• Most folks, I feel, do not put up Christmas decorations in (and on) their homes until right after Thanksgiving. That same schedule could work for retailers, too.

I thoroughly enjoy the holiday season and all that it entrails, but to have it forced upon us on or around Labor Day or Halloween is a bit much.I admit that right now I feel some of that “Christmas fatigue,” and it’s only the first full week of December. 

I’m feeling more like exhaling “bah, humbug” than I do singing “Jingle Bells”. 

2. The Daily Dirt is celebrating the following celebrity birthdays this week:

• Comedian Steven Wright will be 68 on Wednesday. He’s a big favorite among members of the Daily Dirt staff. 
• Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench turns 76 on Thursday. Bench is arguably the best defensive catcher of all-time.
• Former NBA standout Larry Bird will be 67, also on Thursday. He was part of a very special era of the NBA.
• Singer Donny Osmond will be 66 on Saturday. I know, I know. I feel old(er), too.
• Actress Donna Mills turns 81 on Monday. She was the greatest vixen in the history of the small screen. She made “Knots Landing” must-see TV.

3. Here’s our final college football rankings heading into bowl season:

1. Michigan (13-0): Third straight trip to the semifinals for the Wolverines. They’ve lost in their first two appearances.

2. Alabama (12-1): Ladies and gentlemen, the Tide might just be your next national champion. That would be quite a feat for a team that most gave no chance of even making the playoffs just a few weeks ago.

3. Washington (13-0): That semifinal matchup against Texas will see some serious point production. Whatever the “over” is on the wagering line you prefer, go with it.

4. Georgia (12-1): Twas a great run, Bulldogs. Congratulations.

5. Texas (12-1): Quarterback Quinn Ewers sounds like he will return to Texas next season, and that’s not good news for the rest of the nation.

6. Florida State (13-0): Seminoles can make a statement in their bowl game vs. Georgia — or lay an egg. Personally, I’m expecting an omelet.

7. Ohio State (11-1): I’ll be shocked if there is not a new quarterback next year in Columbus.

8. Oregon (11-2): Ducks get upstart Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl. That could be interesting. 

9. Missouri (10-2): The Cotton Bowl matchup with Ohio State will go a long ways in legitimizing the Tigers as a preseason top 10 in 2024.

10. Ole Miss (10-2): Rebels get Penn State in the Peach Bowl.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — I hope Donna Mills invites me to her birthday party.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Another day, another few players in the transfer portal for tOSU.