I’m watching NFL football last Sunday. Still 2 days away from Halloween, mind you. I’m only half paying attention when the commercial break happens.
A commercial from Garmin, a company that makes GPS navigational tools, came on. Now this, as I said, was October 30th. This was the first Christmas commercial of the year. I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit. Now, it would be one thing if it was just a Christmas visual… that is bad enough… but this freakin’ commercial took it to the next level.
THEY HAD CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYING
Not only that, but they did one of the most annoying things in modern advertising, they re-wrote the lyrics to a known song to sell their crap. When you are watching football in October, before Halloween even happens, and you hear ‘Carol of the Bells’ with lyrics about navigation, it is very jarring. I’m lucky I didn’t have anything handy to throw at the television, because I most certainly would have. I just sat there dumbfounded. And angry.
I can tell you this… from this point on, I FLAT OUT REFUSE TO PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM THIS COMPANY EVER. Not that I was in the market for a GPS unit, but goddammit, if I ever am, you can bet I will NOT buy anything from them. As a consumer, that is the only weapon I have. And if you piss me off, you had better believe you will not get me back.
Garmin, I hope you burn in hell. There, I said it. And if any of you out there are fed up by companies doing the same thing, boycott their products. It’s the only way they’ll learn.
So what date is it ok to start playing Christmas music? I just want to be on the safe side with you.
Also, it’s a good thing to think twice before throwing anything at the tv. You wouldn’t want to hurt your Hi Def friend now would you?
How’s that for my first blog comment…
I say to each his own. If someone wishes to start listening to Christmas music in October, so be it. However that should be up to one’s discretion and certainly not shoved at us through premature seasonal commercials.
Here, here Kris…
But Jason does have a great point about the Xmas music that is forced upon us.
Hence the Xmas Music Rules:
Xmas music shall be played from the Friday after Thanksgiving until January 2nd.
Now, if you want to play White Christmas in July, that is your balliwick. However, if I am in a grocery store in July and hear Jingle Bells, I am going to think they messed up the cd rotation. If I am in a store in October and hear xmas tunes? I get hostile.
I think I get hostile, because I don’t want my musical expericence to be spoiled too soon. I like xmas. I like the music that goes with it. But I can only take so much Silent Night, Holy Night before it starts to take its toll on my nerves.
On the same note: I cannot stand the bastards who light off fireworks June 30th until July 6th. Makes me irritable.
George, I completely concur… Don’t dilute my christmas music joy by ruining it before I even get there.
Keep preaching the good word, brother!
Amen to all. I too am irritated by the Xmas in July mentality that is forced upon us, as well as the fireworks for days in June and July. Garmin and the like will not be receiving any stock boosts from my wallet!