It's an annual question for merchants and shoppers: How soon is too soon to deck the malls and shopping centers for the Christmas holiday season?

Many stores have already begun the process. Christmas music, decorations and layaway ads can already been seen in the shopping aisle at local stores. Some Thanksgiving decorations can still be seen, but signs of Christmas are already creeping in.

So what do you think? When is too early for the Christmas shopping season to begin? Do the decorations and Christmas ads entice you to buy early or make you grit your teeth and wish for more time before the holiday rush begins?