A quick stop at a Grand Junction grocery store turned into a thought-provoking dilemma. When is it too early to decorate - or buy decorations - for a holiday?

C'mon, it's early August which is still summer, school hasn't started yet, and Labor Day is still over three weeks away. So, why are there Halloween decorations prominently on display in front of a store?

Maybe I'm out of touch with reality, but even if you're a person who loves Halloween, I have to think two-and-a-half months before the holiday is too early for ghosts and jack-o-lanterns.

While I'm on the subject, have you noticed Halloween and Christmas decorations in stores at the same time? It makes me think there may be children who've been scarred for life seeing Santa and the Grim Reaper on the shelf next to each other.

While discussing my dilemma, a coworker remarked how holidays just run over the top of each other.

He specifically mentioned Jesus birth (Christmas) and how quickly after that we're seeing decorations for the holiday associated with his resurrection (Easter). It's born, dead, and resurrected in less than two months. Good, lord!

At the rate things are going, we'll be buying Valentine's Day gifts while shopping for a Thanksgiving turkey. And pity the fool who hasn't bought a card or gift for Mother's or Father's Day by Valentines Day.

Post holiday clearance sales aside, when is it the right time to shop and decorate for a holiday? I honestly don't know, so I'm asking for your help.

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