Too Soon/Not Soon Enough?

I always say, "You know it's almost Memorial Day when Christmas merchandise comes out at certain large stores!" Isn't that the truth, though? Have you noticed that holiday items appear in stores sooner and sooner each year? 

Apparently, I have a long list of self-imposed rules (Remember the post on burning fall candles?)... So here's another one: I don't decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I think it's because I love fall, and Thanksgiving is so precious to me. (If you decorate before then, it's totally ok! It's only my rule!)

I have learned, however, to shop for Christmas decor early because I know, after being in retail for years, things sell out quickly. (Stay tuned for our upcoming Christmas Village post of more on that!)

Although I abide by my self-imposed the Christmas decor rule, listening to Christmas music is not included in that rule. I could listen to Christmas music all year long! It just makes me so happy--in fact, sometimes when I'm alone at the store, I will put on the Christmas playlist in the Summer. (Shhh, don't tell Rachel! She only listens to Christmas music after Halloween!) 

When we lived in a colder climate, and I would start playing Christmas music in September/October, but as we moved further south and my kids got older (and opinionated)... I was "encouraged" to wait til November, preferably after Thanksgiving! Ouch!

What do you think? Do you have a "too soon" date for decorating or listening to Christmas music?

For all you who love Christmas music like I do, here are a few of my favorite Christmas albums. 

1. Amy Grant Christmas - her very first one

2. Newsong Christmas Shoes- get past that song; the rest of them are amazing. Best "O Holy Night" ever

3. Bryan Duncan - Christmas is Jesus

4. 4HIM- Season of Love

5. The Preacher's Wife soundtrack

I have over 300 Christmas songs on my playlist, but I like a lot of old 80's-90's music. Every year I try to find at least one new Christmas CD, adding Kelly Clarkson, Natalie Grant, Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Jordan Smith, and Danny Gokey to my list of favorites.

So let's hear from you! Yes or No to Christmas music early and who is your favorite Christmas CD.

Til next time~ Happy listening!

Joy