AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

Should add that we love mince pies, too, but I make my own and the first batch will usually go in the oven on 1st December, with the first carols playing while I'm making them.

An ex colleague of mine starts buying and enjoying M&S mince pies as soon as they appear in the shops. (Already I think!).

Some people really love Christmas and like to start very early, to spread the cost, if nothing else. I can't say it really bothers me, but then I've always loved Christmas, too.

Must say that what grates a bit at this time of year is the mountains of black/orange Halloween tat that is filling the shops.

I'm convinced that Halloween has only become such a Big Thing in recent years, compared to in my childhood, because it's now seen as such a fantastic opportunity for making money on tat that kids are going to clamour for - and parents feel they have to buy.

I agree that spreading the load is a good idea, so would prefer it limited to those things with a long use-by.
Thinking of spreading the load - when I was young I pointed out the butcher's Xmas Club to my mother. She got me to sit down and work the cost out, so that I learned she got better interest from a small savings account than 'Xmas clubs'.
I saluted her memory though, when I realised that the Co-op Savings Card offers better interest than most most short-term savings accounts (2%). So now I do one card for us, and one for the Food Bank.

I was an infant school teacher, and preparations for Christmas started after the October half term holiday. Because of this, I always left most of my home Christmas preparations until after we broke up- usually around the 20th December. We put the tree up on the nearest Sunday to the 18th, and we wrote and posted the cards then. I really enjoyed shopping for presents and food in those few days before Christmas, we were always prepared, and doing it all in a few days added to the excitement.

I do totally understand about spreading the load but what surprised me was how many of the products expired weeks and weeks before Christmas. Mind you I also couldn't buy mince pies now even if they did have a long sell by date as I would never resist them

I am so lucky- I do not like mince pies.

Shall I pass the brandy butter, Chewbacca?

slinks away quietly

I've been buying treats for Xmas as they appear in the shops on offer. It will help spread the financial load (I'm expecting a full house!) and all the sell-by dates are well into 2019.

Though I haven't bought mince pies. That would put the kibosh on my attempt to lose weight before putting it all back on again in December.

mmm bring on the mince pies they will be eaten in my house any time of year.

I know what you mean though Shelagh it does seem too early, even to be looking at them, let alone eating them.Local garden centre has all Christmas displays up and running, children must get very confused.

Good for him Muffin a man who knows what he likes.

I agree. There is no way these things can be safely stored until Christmas time.

DH is getting through a box of iced mince pies a day currently, no way those would hang around till Christmas...