Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Christmas arrives too early

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2000 | 9:36 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column runs Thursdays. Reach her at deskin@lasvegassun.com.

Time goes by fast enough without a nudge from retailers.

A recent shopping trip revived my annual complaint -- the proliferation of Christmas decorations and displays before Halloween had exited the scene.

It is a lesson in futility to suggest stores hold back on heralding the Christmas season before we have had a chance to celebrate Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, I can't help objecting to the too early arrival of snowmen, Santa and his reindeer, sparkling tree ornaments and all of the accoutrements of the season.

Don't misunderstand me. I love the holiday season; but having to listen to "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" before we have chased the witches and goblins of Halloween is too much.

How far will the merchandisers go before they stop? Christmas on the Fourth of July?

As long as I am on the subject, I'll admit that Christmas isn't what it was when I was a kid. There was more religious significance to the holiday. After all, it was a time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Instead of "Jingle Bell Rock" we sang "Silent Night." Mantels were decorated with a nativity scene, not a saucy snowman. Santa Claus was a big part of Christmas, of course, but gift giving was on a much smaller scale. Some of us can recall the routine. Usually on Christmas Eve the family assembled for church where, more often than not, the children participated in an amateurish but well received nativity play and the congregation joined in singing fine, old Christmas carols.

The next morning was gift time, when someone dressed as Santa distributed presents to the family. In late afternoon everyone gathered around the table for a huge feast.

Often, evening church services concluded the day. Religion was definitely a part of Christmas.

Time marches on, and these days Christmas has become a totally different kind of celebration with the religious aspect taking a back seat to the more modern festivities -- except, of course, in many churches.

It has become "politically incorrect" -- and in some places actually forbidden -- to have public displays of the nativity scene.

It is still a wonderful season with its message of good will to all men, friendship and love.

But please -- Christmas in December, not October. Let's keep it that way, or at least give us time to enjoy the Thanksgiving turkey before listening to "Jingle Bells."

What architectural genius came up with the design for the street dividers that feature huge, ugly, reddish-brown rocks piled on ugly, reddish-brown stones?

At one time I knew the why of setting our clocks back an hour in the fall. I've forgotten. But now that it is pitch dark at 5 p.m., will someone please tell me?

Don't expect Firestone execs to invite you to their next blowout.