When did Christmas creep up on me?

When did Christmas creep up on me? Where did it come from? What happened to October and November? Why are the years getting shorter? What do you mean, it's next Thursday??

Shock / grump / horror / moan etc etc :)

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Christmas. In many ways, the lead-up is even better than the actual event for me. I love the glitter of tinsel everywhere - surely the tackiest and most splendid decoration for Christmas ever invented? - and the songs being played every darned place you go,...