Here it is, merry Christmas

Sensible planning or cynical marketing?

If you're currently enjoying your summer holiday, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you've had a little too much sun, or perhaps one cocktail too many.

That's because on Tuesday, one central London department store started selling Christmas cards and decorations.

And that's with well over a hundred days left until Christmas.

Posh department store Harrods welcomed a sunny Santa complete with sunglasses and a zebra, and it isn't alone.

Selfridges is set to open its Christmas arcade on Thursday - two weeks earlier than usual, and the major supermarkets will also follow with their Christmas sections in the coming weeks.

So is it too early to start planning for Christmas? We spoke to newspaper columnist Sue Carroll and 'Mr Christmas' Andy Park - watch again from the link to the right

Do you think it's too early for the shops to be selling Christmas cards and decorations - e-mail us now

Opinion was very much split between our two guests on the issue of preparing for Christmas early.

Christmas shopping... in August It's so sad that we have so little to do with our lives that we should be starting Christmas in August... We are killing the special treats and occasions. Eve Fay, Buckinghamshire More of your comments

Andy 'Mr Christmas' Park, claims to celebrate the festive season every day with decorations, presents and a Christmas dinner.

He said he thought the idea of leaving shopping until the last minute spoilt the experience and made it a rush.

He's such a fan of Christmas that he gets through four fresh trees a year.

Taking the opposite point of view was Daily Mirror columnist Sue Carroll.

She said the government was very keen on legislation, so should make it illegal to prepare or celebrate for Christmas too soon, and suggested that there should be fines for offenders and community service dressed as an elf.

Do you think it's too early for the shops to be selling Christmas cards and decorations? e-mail us now

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