The summer is yet to officially end but many haven’t let that stop them getting in the Christmas spirit this August.
Pubgoers and shoppers alike have been left baffled as festive sweet treats begin to appear on supermarket shelves, and firs cascaded with baubles begin to sprout in boozers.
The Air Balloon pub in Filton, Bristol, has not let the time of the year get in the way of their Christmas spirit, putting up Britain’s first festive tree of the year.
Although the floor-to-ceiling looks stunning with its blue fairy lights and co-ordinated glittery ornaments, punters were shocked to see the tree as well as a board advertising their festive menu so early in the year.
One customer, Laura, said: ‘I came up for a pint in the sun – I wasn’t expecting to see a Christmas tree.’
The Air Balloon pub in Filton, Bristol, has surprised punters by putting up a blue glittering Christmas tree up (Pictured) in a bid to get them in the festive spirit
B&M customers have also been left stunned to find festive treats and snacks already for sale in at a Leeds branch (Pictured)
Even though some may have been stunned by the décor, a glittering fir in August is nothing new for the Bristolian boozer which sets one up early every year to get customers in the Christmas mood.
It isn’t only pubs that are getting out the tinsel, shoppers have been left baffled after noticing B&M were selling their festive chocolates more than four months before the big day.
A store in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has been taken over by Yuletide-themed sweet treats ready for the festive season.
Haribo Elf Surprises, costing £1.25, KitKat Christmas Selection on sale for £2 and boxes of shortbread biscuits – selling at £3 – were among the goodies on sale.
However friends Emma Jones and Sarah Whitaker were left divided over the extremely early rollout of Christmas treats.
Emma, 35, said: ‘Christmas is the best time of the year! The earlier the better, I started buying Christmas decorations and presents in January! Merry Christmas, I say.’
Sarah, 36, said: ‘Every year it feels like the build up to Christmas starts earlier and earlier.
‘August is far too soon, we’ve not even had Halloween yet. It’s rather depressing to be reminded that winter is on its way.’
The store in Leeds, West Yorkshire, (Pictured) has been taken over with the Yuletide spirit, but customers have been left divided on the shop selling Christmas treats so early
Customers have been left fuming after noticing Home Bargains is also selling Christmas stock in August (Pictured)
Boots made an early pitch to festive shoppers by advertising its advent calendars, but not everyone has received it in the festive spirit. Pictured: A Boots store in London
Boots sent an email to customers urging them to buy one of its advent calendars in the middle of August
Shoppers are furious after spotting that Home Bargains has already launched its Christmas range in-store – before summer is even over.
The high-street bargain shop has filled its shelves with boxes of lights, ornaments and advent calendars ready for the festive season.
In a post, which has racked up over 1,000 likes, pictures of Grinch-themed gift bags, ornaments and baubles are shown.
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people not quite ready to spread the Christmas cheer.
Karen said: ‘Still waiting for summer.’
‘Jeez…. I have mixed views on Christmas in August. Far too early for me but I also appreciate it allows people to spread the cost over a few months which is helpful to some,’ said one.
A second shopper added: ‘Just looking at this makes me feel cold on the out and inside.’
‘I literally just mentioned this about Christmas stuff being in the shops probably before kids even go back to school,’ a third wrote.
However, some eager Christmas fans were thrilled to see decorations already in stores.
One commented: ‘Yaaaaaa, that means that it’s nearly autumn. I’m so happy that summer is nearly over, especially my summer SAD. Now looking forward to Christmas cards in Card Factory.’
Whilst another quipped: ‘So excited to shop.’
A spokesperson for The Air Balloon said: ‘With Christmas such an important time of year for pubs, where family and friends can celebrate together, we are pleased to be taking bookings now for people who want to have their special event organised in good time.’
MailOnline approached B&M and Home Bargains for comment.
This comes shortly after Boots was ridiculed after announcing its new advent calendars are on sale in the middle of August.
In one of the earliest Christmas-themed pitches to the public so far this year, the health and beauty retailer emailed customers to say they could get the items more three months before they’re needed.
The move has sparked derision from some questioning if the High Street had ‘lost their minds’ by advertising the them while the children are still on their summer holidays.
It came as Britain went through its hottest week of the year, with people flocking to beaches and parks across the country to make the most of the balmy weather.
However, perhaps keen to make the most of anyone yearning for cooler times, Boots sent out a hopeful email to loyalty card customers informing them its advent calendars are now on sale.
In its message firm said: ‘Open the door to this year’s Advent Calendars.
‘Unwrap a new piece of magic every day with our advent calendars. The perfect treat for yourself, or a gift for that special someone. Get them before they’re gone!’
A Boots spokesperson told MailOnline that many customers decide to start shopping for Christmas early.
They said: ‘Back by popular demand, our range of advent calendars launched online earlier this week and will be available for customers to purchase at any point from now until the end of the year.
‘Many of our customers choose to start their Christmas shopping early as a way to spread the cost in the run up to the big day.’
Last year Home Bargains were slammed by shoppers for putting up their Christmas display in August.
Some disgruntled customers took to social media to complain about receiving the festive-themed advert during the hottest week of the year
Shoppers were left baffled after seeing tinsel, gold baubles and green wreaths for sale at the Home Bargains store in Denbigh, North Wales.
The Christmas items appeared before the August summer bank holiday in 2023 – and with 18 weeks before last year’s big day.
A manager at the shop in Denbigh, North Wales, defended the move by saying it will help shoppers spread the cost.
They said: ‘Christmas can be an expensive time of year for most of us. With the cost of living, we have decided to land Christmas a little earlier this year to help our customers spread the cost.’
