Christmas Can Wait Until the Fireworks Have Gone Off, Says Man Who Has Already Bought Mince Pies
Our columnist makes a principled stand against seasonal creep, from behind a festive tin.
Mince pies: in shops since September, in stomachs since this morning. Photo: Alcinoe, “MincePieAlc1”, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
I am writing today to make a principled stand. Christmas must not begin in October. Not at Glendoick, not on the telly, not in the supermarket aisle where a six-foot inflatable snowman now greets you beside the sun cream.
We have Halloween first. Then Bonfire Night. Then a short, dignified period of grey November introspection, which is what Scotland does best. Only then may a man consider a mince pie.
In the interests of transparency, I have eaten four mince pies while writing this column. They were on offer. The box was there. I am weak, but my principles are strong.
To the reindeer at Glendoick: you may stay. But please — no jingling until the fifth.
The real story: Glendoick Christmas display (The Courier)
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Hear hear. I don’t open my advent calendar until the 1st, even if the chocolate is calling me.
— Margaret H., Errol, 29 October 2026 -
Christmas starts when the first mince pie is reduced to clear. That was last week.
— Davie K., Invergowrie, 29 October 2026
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