Remembrance Day vs. Christmas displays: Should stores hold off on holiday promotions?

Christmas is still almost two whole months away, but you wouldn't know that with all the holiday displays that are popping up in stores around Vancouver. 

It's generally accepted that Christmas decorations are fair game after Halloween. But while some people love seeing the early festive cheer, others say the promotions are too early considering Remembrance Day is just around the corner. 

Cam Cathcart, the former chair of the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee, told CBC he would like to see retailers hold off until Nov. 12 — the day after Remembrance Day — and perhaps decorate with poppies instead of Christmas trees. 

"Retailing is very competitive in this city and I can understand why they would want to get ahead of the game, but it would be nice if they could wait just a day after Remembrance Day," he said. "But for those who know what Remembrance Day is and want to participate, I don't think the buying and decorations would affect them at all."

Lest we forget

At least one retail store in Vancouver is doing just as Cathcart would like: Fluevog Shoes says they're purposely holding off putting up Christmas decorations until after Nov. 11 out of respect for Remembrance Day.

It's a gesture that Victoria Parhar appreciates. Her father served in the Armed Forces and Air Force, and she finds the early Christmas decorations disrespectful. 

"I want to take the time to explain what Remembrance Day means to my children. And between Halloween candy and Christmas decorations, these 11 days are all I have," she said. 

CBC asked its readers to weigh in. Many agreed they're just as fed up with the early start to Christmas celebrations. 

Bring it on!

Meanwhile others felt it was never too early to get into the festive spirit.