Bah humbug to the Christmas spirit creeping in far too early

Sep 5 2003 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

Although the sun is still shining, Christmas is already making its presence felt.

During the last four decades or so, we have protested ever louder about the increasingly blatant consumerism surrounding the Christmas holiday.

Each year, the Christmas buying season starts earlier and earlier.

We expressed dismay when it overtook Bonfire Night and now we complain that Hallowe'en is in danger of being eclipsed as well.

For those who buy their gifts at the last moment, a long run-up to Christmas means a long season of guilt and stress.

Any activity to remedy the guilt, however, by those who share the "last-minute" affliction, continues to be restricted to the week before Christmas Day.

Although this doubles the discomfort during those long, tinsel-strewn months, there appears to be no cure.

Retailers' enthusiasm for bright, shiny displays is obvious, as are street lights, Christmas festivals and markets.

However, when the decorations start creeping into the office long before the shortest day of the year, it is more worrying. The Christmas get- together has rippled out to the first days of December and even into November, because of its universal popularity.

The office is decorated with indecent haste, Christmas office closures have been agreed by August, Christmas menus chosen by September, Christmas cards bought in October - one day is dominating three to four months of the year.

Although Christmas is, for most of us, a time of goodwill and cheer, there are many who prefer the calm consistency of a functional, attractive office as a haven from the laughing Santas and revolving reindeer in shop windows.

Perhaps we should consider the introduction of a fir tree-free room to the workplace, without the twinkling lights, snow and dozens of cards that infest all other office spaces. I believe it could restore our equilibrium.

We would then venture forth refreshed at the end of the working week, enjoy Christmas with our families and start planning summer holidays on Boxing Day.

* Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm.