Poll: When should the Christmas season begin?

Long lines at the register. Traffic jams around retail centers. Incessant Christmas carols playing on an endless loop in your head.

'Tis the season.

Oh wait, — no it's not! It's only the third week of November, but some retailers would have you believe Santa's already loaded up the sleigh.

Desperate to boost sales in a sagging economy, retailers are seemingly trying to push the holiday shopping season earlier and earlier every year. Some big box stores and even some smaller retail stores had Christmas trees up and holiday specials advertised the week before Halloween this year! Some radio stations are no different, having already begun playing holiday carols.

So what do you think? Has Christmas begun to trump all other observances (anyone remember Thanksgiving?), or are you as anxious as retailers to get the holiday season underway? When should the Christmas season begin?