Signs that it's almost Christmas

[robkelk]

A fluff thread: Other than the obvious "the malls are packed" and "the calendar says so", what are the more subtle signs that it's almost Christmas?

I'll start the list:

• The VLC Media Player traffic cone is wearing its Santa hat
  
• CBC Radio has aired The Shepherd
  

[Matrix Dragon]

I have escaped from work for several weeks and can forget the place even exists.

[classicdrogn]

The big box stores have cases of New Year's and Valentine's Day decorations lurking on the ladder-only upper storage shelves

[Labster]

The oranges are ripening
Bowl of mikans on the table
The camellias, Christmas cactus, and Japanese pine are in bloom
The fire marshals are counting how many people come in and out of Costco
Video games start singing Christmas carols at me

[classicdrogn]

When the customer service smile would be a threat display if the eyes weren't so utterly dead inside

[Dartz]

My evening commute takes two hours instead of 15 minutes because of the human landfill flooding the local shopping centre just to 'get a few last bits done'

[Labster]

When the Moon hits your eye like a big mincemeat pie
When the tree starts to shine like an electric pine

[robkelk]

A fluff thread: Other than the obvious "the malls are packed" and "the calendar says so", what are the more subtle signs that it's almost Christmas?

I'll start the list:

• The VLC Media Player traffic cone is wearing its Santa hat
  
• CBC Radio has aired The Shepherd
  

Bumping the thread and mentioning that CBC Radio airs The Shepherd at 6:30 pm local time on December 24. Pick a station in the appropriate time zone if it hasn't aired yet.

[Dartz]

The Holly and Ivy brigade are out menacing the roads.

There's 'Drinking and driving'

And there's people who haven't haven't had a drink in 364 days, drinking and driving.