As this Peanuts comic from October 23, 1959, shows, the expansion of the 'Christmas season' has been going on for a long time. The reason for it is not far to find: big business and stores want the longest buying period possible at the end of the year, to bring their balances into the black. They have a way to force compliance with this plan; if people don't start consuming quickly and early, by the time the actual Christmas season rolls around (traditionally held to begin after Thanksgiving) the best presents, the best decorations, sometimes even the best food is already sold out. The result is that by Christmas day everyone (especially the adult part of everyone) is tired out and ready for it all to end. One cannot be kept at an emotional boil for two months and not be somewhat exhausted by the whole thing. It is a situation from which there seems to be no escape, not for society as a whole. One can only strive personally to keep an even keel and not be drawn too much into the feeding frenzy. Decorations, sales, and carols over the radio and in store Muzac are already everywhere. But being aware of the hard sell grants one some degree of objectivity, and allows one to reserve some Christmas cheer for the actual day.
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