It seems I write this column every year and up to this point it has had little effect. But, alas, I try once again to slow everyone down only to see my efforts fall on deaf ears, or in the case of writing this column, blind eyes.

Just this weekend I ventured into a number of local stores for one item or another; nothing in particular. It was simply a day to check off items from my “to-do” list.

But, as I walked through the stores I saw children of all ages – and adults of all ages – scouring through Halloween costumes and piles upon piles of candy.

And as I made my way through the aisles, I noticed a number of empty shelves. This was the case in each store I went through. And, in each case, I saw one to 45 attendees putting up the one holiday-themed items I was not yet ready to see … Christmas stuff.

There was ornaments, wrapping paper, fake snow, Christmas trees, lights, bulbs, stars and yes, the man himself, Santa Claus.

Just a reminder to everyone reading today’s column, it is mid-October. MID-OCTOBER!!

I haven’t even purchased my Halloween candy yet and now feel pressured to begin thinking of my Christmas shopping list. I wasn’t prepared. I am not prepared. I don’t plan on being prepared until at least mid-December … or even later.

I understand how important the holiday shopping season is to area retailers. I honestly do, but I just want a little more time. It’s the same feeling I had growing up when I asked my mother for five more minutes waking up in the morning.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. I enjoy the time with family and I even enjoy the process of shopping for Christmas gifts, even last-minute shopping.

But, I want to enjoy Halloween and I definitely want to enjoy Thanksgiving before moving on to Christmas. I was just hoping everyone was on the same boat.

Heck, at this point, some stores may break out their Easter stuff next week.