Do you think Christmas is getting out of all proportion? Easter eggs just as Xmas near enough finishes. cost's rise for a matter of days, then is gone.
As China says, only if individuals let it.
My eldest son said he didn't want anything this year, because we would be buying just for the sake of buying.
Of course that statement (as nice as it was to hear) will be ignored.
at least the sales start before Christmas these days - not so long ago they didn't start until Boxing Day, so you'd buy gifts and see them so much cheaper after you'd given them!
Christmas got out of proportion in the commercial sense long ago. I think there has been a conscious effort to tame things recently and not just because of the economic climate. Amongst my friends and colleagues I see much more of a commitment to sustainability and less compulsive consumerism.