When Should Holiday Season Begin?

With the first snow accumulating around Deerfield and Highland Park today, when should the holiday season begin?

Patch asked its Facebook followers that question last week after there was frost on the ground and the Christmas tree at Marshall Field’s (oops, Macy’s) Walnut Room was illuminated Nov. 2.

Most people in this area are not ready, some pragmatic and others downright sarcastic. “Fourth of July, at least that is where we are heading,” wrote Larry Marks. William Brown reminded everyone Costco had holiday fare available before Labor Day.

Most people who responded want to hold to what was once the traditional start to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday. “The day after Thanksgiving,” Cindy Beauvais wrote referring to Black Friday.

Phil Garber was more emphatic. “Not a minute before Thanksgiving is over,” he wrote.

Ann Matthews agrees but recognizes reality. “After Thanksgiving but that ship has sailed,” she writes.

With Hanukkah starting at sunset the day before Thanksgiving, Robin Lieberman thinks 2013 is an exception. “This year is early though because of Hanukkah,” she writes.

Get local news in a daily email from Patch. It's like getting a free newspaper. Learn more. Then "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.