OPINION: What’s the rush with Christmas ? Why are we putting the fast into festive? - Kilkenny Live

Going crackers: The signs, TV ads and decorations are pointing towards C*******s way too early, writes Trevor ‘humbug’ Spillane...

A funny thing happened while out shopping at the weekend.

While traipsing through the streets and idly browsing the various windows, I was struck by the sudden realisation that the displays were, a little bit red and white dominated.

I checked my watch, saw it was November 2, and then realised — the Christmas rush has well and truly started!

It wasn’t as if I hadn’t had fair warning — the memes of Mariah Carey and Michael Buble being taken out of cold storage was advance notice enough - but it was the speed at which the complexion of these stores had changed.

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It felt like only yesterday that witches, cauldrons and all things spooky were the flavour du jour.

Another check of the watch (and diary) reminded me that it had only been Wednesday evening, as I made my way across town for the launch of seven-time All-Ireland winner Richie Hogan’s autobiography (here’s a shameless plug — check our sports pages for more) that my walk was accompanied by flashes in the sky and the sound of fireworks rattling the air.

Now, in what seemed like a matter of seconds, the Hallowe’en crackle was gone, poised to be replaced by the jingling of many bells.

It’s (Christmas) crackers to think it, but as the slogan goes there’s only seven shopping weeks to the festive season - but do we have to start the celebrations so early?

Granted, that might sound like the ramblings of a Grinch, but hear me out. In a fast-paced world (which only seems to be getting faster) we seem to be in a rush to move from one thing to the next. And while it’s fine to have goals or things to look forward to, sometimes taking things a little slowly can be appreciated too.

The evenings are getting cooler and darker, but that brings a different feel to Kilkenny, which becomes a cosier city in the autumn/winter air.

It gives us a chance to catch up with what’s going on around us, a little lull between a summer filled with festivals and the festive season.

That ‘me time’ is vital as, all too often, we get caught up in the madness of everyday life and forget to look after ourselves.

And if all you’re hearing are sleigh bells and carols, then they’re certainly going to drown out other thoughts.

The sudden arrival of the festive signs can bring stress, as thoughts of what to get and for whom take over people’s thoughts.

That, and the expense it brings — I can already imagine parents are breaking out in a collective cold sweat as the Christmas toy adverts start appearing on TV screens with alarming regularity — can be enough to make people want to lock themselves away and not come out until January 1.

Alright, that might be a bit dramatic, but you get the picture. For many, Christmas means nothing but stress, and if we launch into a long build-up to December 25 several weeks in advance that’s only going to increase the tension for some people.

Taking a slower pace to the festive approach gives people a chance to stop and think about what the festive season really means to them.

Sure, the gifts are a nice part — I mean, who doesn’t like presents after all? — but the best part is getting to catch up with your loved ones.

Maybe you have friends you don’t get to see that often, so a meal or few drinks together in December is something you all look forward to.

Isn’t that something to focus on, rather than how you're going to deck the halls (and all that other festive malarkey that goes with it).

And that’s what it should really be about, isn’t it? Taking time to spend with the people who matter the most and not being in a frenetic rush trying to stockpile presents, food and decorations.

Acting in such a frenetic manner can only lead to illness — many come down with tinsellitis at this of year (bad cracker joke!) —but you run the risk of running yourself into the ground if you launch into these things too early.

So maybe go a little easy. Don’t spread that festive feeling too soon; take it slowly. Otherwise, before you know it, the Easter Bunny could be at your door...

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