Christmas decorations go up in stores early because you're more likely to do Christmas shopping when there are Christmas decorations. :P And while you're not necessarily likely to buy more gifts overall if you're surrounded by Christmas decorations on November first, you are more likely to do your Christmas shopping at stores that have them up. It's more of a race than anything.

I love Christmas buy I don't start doing Christmassy stuff until December or I burn out on it long before Christmas. Though I will definitely be going to the Santa Claus Parade next weekend! I've never been to Toronto's Christmas parade before but I watch it on TV every year because it's huge. Too many clowns, though. What the hell.