Is it me?

[FWLR]

In answer to the original question, I don't find it particularly disrespectful. I do think it is far to early to even think about Christmas though. I am not sure about the argument regarding people buying Christmas stuff so early. If the shops did not sell it, then people would not be buying it.

I have got to a point where I now don't consider the commercial Xmas and the Christian Christmas as the same festival. Bizzare it may be but it keeps me vaguely sane during Advent.

You are correct Jim in the fact that if the shops didn’t sell people wouldn’t buy it. But there is a big TV and online retailer who started to sell things in June…..Now that is taking the provable.

The commercial Xmas is just that…commercial, and has no idea about the real Christian Christmas. The Christmas Carols are beautiful to hear and the one that gets me is “Silent Night”. Don’t get me wrong I am not a big church goer, but you can have beliefs without having to partake in mass congress. I believe that we all have a part to play in this world and there are things which are truly wonderful, but also truly horrible … Like Christmas starting in JUNE.

Sorry I didn’t want to sound like I was doing a sermon….

[pandsrowe]

I don't know about it starting in June but I remember doing a Rhine cruise many years ago and the boat moored up for a visit where they had a "Christmas Shop" that was open all the year round! I can't remember the name of the town where it was located but it's quite well known and I sure someone on here will know the name. People were buying in my view just because they could not through any particular need which I think is the root of the problem. Personally I will ignore any of the Christmas fare in the shops until I am ready to buy, which presumably means that there are an awful lot of people buying their pressies early.

[Busted Bricks]

Almost forgot - it's also quite common to put apple sauce on the black pudding.

[Big Jim]

Almost forgot - it's also quite common to put apple sauce on the black pudding.

Another one to try.

I can report that black pud with syrup is rather pleasant, my local cafe now has another reason to wonder about me.

[Big Jim]

I don't know about it starting in June but I remember doing a Rhine cruise many years ago and the boat moored up for a visit where they had a "Christmas Shop" that was open all the year round! I can't remember the name of the town where it was located but it's quite well known and I sure someone on here will know the name. People were buying in my view just because they could not through any particular need which I think is the root of the problem. Personally I will ignore any of the Christmas fare in the shops until I am ready to buy, which presumably means that there are an awful lot of people buying their pressies early.

It may be in Rudeshiem (other spellings may be available).
I am not sure if the production of glass baubles may be a local craft. I seem to recall a program on the radio about it.

[Peter Butler]

When we moved to West Wales some 15 years ago there was a dedicated 'Christmas' shop in Carmarthen. It has closed now but strangely didn't seem out of place at the time as all of the items were of good quality and unusual, not the mass produced tat usually associated with the typical high street pedlars.
I guess that its demise is symptomatic of the demands of the masses.

[SimonWood]

Black pud with syrup and cinnamon sounds like it is worth trying.

Ooh, yes! I must go and get myself some black pud. I might try frying kale with cream & sugar too, but I'm not sure I'll be able to persuade the family that curried pickled herring will go well with our turkey...

[Big Jim]

As you are near Cardiff I can recommend the butchers on the market (first on the left as you go in). They do some of the best BP I have ever eaten and a thing called Tiger Bay Pudding which is divine.

[SimonWood]

As you are near Cardiff I can recommend the butchers on the market (first on the left as you go in). They do some of the best BP I have ever eaten and a thing called Tiger Bay Pudding which is divine.

I think I know the one - going in from the St John's end? - but I haven't had Tiger Bay Pudding! Thanks for the recommendations, I will soon be feasting on pudding.

[IrishPeter]

Am I the only one who finds it vulgar and lacking in respect that companies are advertising 'commerical' Christmas before Armistice Day?

The one break I get living in the USA is that their determination to bombard you with Hallowe'en means you don't get the Christmas tat until about the 3rd November, and even then it is a bit muted as they are ramping up for Black Friday. Strangely I actually cope with the Christmas tat in the stores quite well, because I can employ the selective blindness technique. On the other hand, the bl**dy Christmas Musak drives me nuts as it is either so loud you can't ignore it, or quiet enough that you think "What is that? - Aaaargh!" I am glad I don't work in retail, I would feel like "Going Postal" long before Christmas.

On the other hand, I enjoy the Christmas cycle (Advent-Christmas-Epiphany) in Church a lot, especially with this congregation. Many of the Advent hymns are among my favourites, and there is always something a little bit special about the Christmas Eve Eucharist, and Christmas morning Matins.

Peter in Va

[FWLR]

As you are near Cardiff I can recommend the butchers on the market (first on the left as you go in). They do some of the best BP I have ever eaten and a thing called Tiger Bay Pudding which is divine.

You need to eat them from the home of Black Pudding Jim…….Bury…….

They are the best in the world…….

[Big Jim]

Rod, I have partaken of Bury Black Puddings on many an occasion and indeed they are excellent.

[philipy]

Talk about out of season... Tesco are selling Hot Cross Buns a month before Christmas!

[FWLR]

Talk about out of season... Tesco are selling Hot Cross Buns a month before Christmas!

What.......

[Robert Hammond]

It is not you. I agree absolutely. My family and have been devout active but unworthy Christians throughout our lives, and the commercial advertising around Christmas is saddening. It seems the only organisation which does not advertise Christmas for financial gain is the Church.