CHRISTMAS really has come far too early again this year.

In the past I have written about fair point columns on the early Christmas subject, with my particular annoyance that department stores can hold their Christmas sales as early as September and August.

But the main focus for me this year is the fact festive decorations have been going up in homes across the country in the past two weeks.

People have been sharing the images of their decoration on social media, with trees decorated and the traditional tinsel hanging up.

What I have never understood is that when people do that, maybe giving it to their keen children desperate to get the festive celebrations underway, they end up being bored of them by Boxing Day.

When I was younger our family waited to as late as December 20 to put them up on occasions, and somehow that made it more special as it seemed fresh and more exciting when the big day arrived.

The earliest I will have anything Christmas related in my home is an advent calender on December 1 - and that is only because it's an excuse to eat some chocolate in the morning.

So my advice would be keep the Christmas stuff for the time it is meant to be, to keep it special. However, it is of course people's choice when they put decorations, and if they want to do that fair enough.

In a way my view is similar to some of loudmouth Piers Morgan's recent rant on the Good Morning Britain programme on this subject. But he took it way too far (as usual) by abusing people for their early Christmas celebrations.

He then also took it to another extreme by having a go at people for buying Christmas presents early.

There is nothing wrong with that. If money is stretched - as it is for many families in this country - it is only sensible to split the cost over several months and pay checks, and get a bargain when you spot one.

For example I have been a critic of Black Friday, an American import designed to encourage over shopping and extra spending. But even I accept if you know what you need, and you can get that thing for a cheaper price next week, why wouldn't you grab that bargain?

I always think though the most important thing is not to stress at Christmas over anything, and simply enjoy it with your loved ones.