It was August 31 when I first saw a Christmas product in Tesco.

Initially, I rolled my eyes, sent a picture to my husband exclaiming how ridiculous it was – there were still disposable barbecues on sale – and swore it was getting earlier and earlier each year.

This is probably a familiar moan.

Now, at the end of September, more Christmas items are on shelves, supermarkets are advertising Christmas delivery slots and restaurants are marketing for Christmas parties.

After my initial sigh of ‘consumerism’, I realised there was actually a very valuable reason things were being sold more than three months before the big day.

We all know about the cost-of-living crisis, and Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most expensive times of the year. 

While many savvy people have for years been buying items in the January sales, or buying gifts throughout the year, with new financial pressures more and more people will be grateful to spread the festive costs.

According to the Bank of England, the average UK household spends more than £700 extra in December. That is a lot of money.

However, spread that over three months and suddenly it’s a more manageable £233.

Of course, it’s an individual choice – some people won’t want to even think about Christmas until after Halloween.

But that’s the point – it’s giving people the choice. No one is forcing you to browse the Christmas crackers – if you don’t want them, just keep walking (as I’m sure you do with plenty of other products you’re not interested in).

But for many people, shops stocking these items earlier in the year is probably a godsend, avoiding stress closer to the joyful day.

If only I was a bit more organised, I would probably be filling my trolley with some Christmas goods too.