Holidaze

Some years back when Christmas displays began appearing in stores before Thanksgiving, I was mildly perturbed, but not surprised.

Now the marketing of our grotesque annual shopping binge begins not too long after Labor Day.

This cell-phone photo taken two days ago at the local CVS epitomizes the crazy fall retail mash-up. The earliest of the holidays is still nearly a month away.

From left: a rack of Halloween costumes, a two-sided display of Hallmark Christmas and Hanukkah cards, and several shelves of Thanksgiving decorations.

Excuse me. I'm looking for some Valentine's Day cards. Which aisle are they located on?