I think as the retail trade is struggling in the battle against on line shopping, the shops, supermarkets and small businesses etc are trying their hardest to entice people into their stores in a bid to increase sales which may explain a great emphasis on Christmas decorations etc. Certainly most people I know with children are buying online rather than pushing through crowds in city centres or shopping centres. Although my family are all grown up , I too buy on line for convenience but I still like to do some Christmas shopping in the town to experience the Christmas atmosphere and get in the festive mood.