The week of Halloween, I found myself walking through the mall and not only finding Halloween costumes, pumpkins and cobwebs, but also inflatable Santas, garlands and ornaments. Before one commercialized holiday even wraps up, the stores are shoving unnecessary purchases down our throats. I just can't get over how early Christmas has come this year.

The jolly old elf himself made an appearance in London on November 10 as a part of our Santa Claus Parade. May I remind you that our night-time parade was held on the eve of Remembrance Day! I'll admit I was one of the eager fans awaiting Santa's arrival, enjoying the bright lights, floats and Christmas carols, but after a night of holiday celebration I found it odd to be taking a moment of silence at 11 a.m. the next morning.

Now that November has begun, many people have started to decorate their homes, check items off their Christmas lists and attend Christmas parties. There's no snow on the ground, and Americans haven't even finished their Thanksgiving turkey yet.

On one hand, I understand getting Christmas shopping done early or planning who will host Christmas, because the holidays become more of a stress than a special occasion. So although I encourage you to get into the Christmas spirit, try not to be bombarded by all of the materialistic items glistening in windows but instead keep in mind what this holiday is really about.
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