When is it too early to start preparing for Christmas?

The age-old question has stirred up a flurry of diverse responses from readers of The Northern Echo.

Taking to social media, readers' opinion seems to pivot around individual preferences and financial circumstances rather than a universally agreed calendar date.

While reader Marie Pentland believes that preparation should not start before December 1, others advocate for an earlier approach due to financial concerns.

"I start in the summer every year", Jody Armstrong said, pointing out that she purchases "Bits here and there weekly then doesn’t seem like we spend as much."

Another follower Allan Stanton considers "Any time after New Year" the perfect time to start the Christmas preparation.

Similarly, Val Bartlett said, "I've done all mine. Advent calendars came today".

Most read

Be the first to know with The Northern Echo! 📱💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Take advantage of our exclusive offer of over 30% off an annual subscription. Your community's stories await.

There are, however, some dissenting opinions. Brenda Richardson admitted that she "stopped doing Christmas a few years ago," because "It's a big commercial scam."

Dru Nice said, "Christmas is in December, not November not October and definitely not in September".

And Steve Twigg was against anything "Before December 15th".

Still, there are those who use the question to lighten the mood.

William Brown said, "Boxing Day!" showing their need to start preparing for the next Christmas right after the holiday concludes.

As Kath Foster puts it eloquently: "It never is, I buy stuff all year round if I see something that someone will like". Maureen Williams chimed in with her practical approach: "Just finished making threer Christmas cakes got a few presents in.

Try to spread the cost over a couple of months rather than last couple of weeks".

These varied responses from readers of The Northern Echo reveal that there's no right time to start Christmas preparations—it's all about personal preference.