This may seem strange, but I consider Halloween the official start of Christmas. I am sure it started as a child, but really it was owning a store that cemented it for me.
At the store Christmas merchandise would start arriving in September. By October 1st, everything was priced and the theme for the holiday was selected. ( A theme is a must!) On Halloween night we would close early and while everyone else was getting sick on candy or scared out of their wits, we transformed our store into a winter wonderland (or whatever the theme was that year).
This year I am particularly anxious to "get festive". Nothing like a heaping serving of hope all wrapped in ribbon and glitter... to make you feel light and happy.
