I knew it was going to happen but I think I noticed it more this time because Dearest Son saw it and commented loudly about it. What am I talking about?

Picture the scene: it was the last few days before Christmas and we had nipped into a local shop for a few bits and pieces. The week before, the shop was wall to wall with all things Christmas, from packs of toiletries, tinsel, decorations to chocolates and packs of biscuits with a smiling Santa or Rudolph on the cover. However, the closer we got to Christmas, we noticed a change to 2 aisles in particular – gone were the gingerbread men cookie cutters and in its place? Cards, balloons, crackers and everything else all shades of pink for St Valentine’s Day. To add insult to injury, the aisle across from it was stocked full with all things Easter – this was before we’d even had Christmas Day!

It was the first time Dearest Son had really noticed it and he was not happy or quiet about it!

What irks me though is how we are constantly being lectured at to ‘shop seasonally’ – how about we turn that around and go back to seasonal shops? I’m talking Easter goods at Easter, St Valentine’s Day stuff in February and so on.

I for one am done with shops rushing me through the year as they throw seasonal goods onto their shelves, out of season, then expect us to fly through the aisles as if we are in a roller-coaster car being looped from month to month and expected not to notice.

The year goes past fast enough at my age and stage of life. I do not need the shops hitting the acceleration button.

Stop the ride – I want to get off!