It’s funny how a simple trip to Walmart can stir up memories and a bit of nostalgia. Today, while walking through the aisles, I couldn’t help but notice something that felt off. Here in Florida, we’re still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes, and it’s not even Halloween yet. But there I was, standing in one of four aisles already packed with Christmas decorations. It made me stop and wonder: When did we let a holiday that's supposed to be about family, tradition, and deeper meanings get so commercialized?

I can’t remember stores pushing Christmas before Halloween when I was growing up. It all feels so rushed now, like we're being catapulted from one holiday to the next without ever having time to actually enjoy them. Don’t get me wrong—I used to love the holiday season. I still do, in many ways. But can we at least wait until the Halloween candy is gone before we start decking the halls?

I remember when stores didn't even think about putting up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. That’s how I recall it, anyway. The Thanksgiving Day parade was the unofficial start of the holiday season, and that’s when you’d start seeing festive displays popping up in stores and around town.

Growing up near Boston, Christmas felt magical to me. One of my favorite memories was taking trips to see the window displays in the city. Filene’s in particular was always stunning, with its elaborate animatronic displays. I’d look forward to it every year. It wasn’t just the windows either—there were lights strung across the Boston Common and the Gardens, adding to that special feeling. That was Christmas to me.

Now, it feels like we’re being nudged to move on before we’ve even had time to enjoy the present moment. Halloween hasn’t even arrived, and already the candy is discounted to make room for Santa. It’s like we’ve traded in the magic for a marketing plan.