They're keen - I'll give them that.
There's still 17 weeks until Santa hopefully makes an appearance down our chimneys, yet some people have already begun making preparations.
Don't get me wrong, I always like to start early for Christmas but August is even too early for me.
Already, social media is full of memes about how the dark nights will soon be drawing in and so, `...might just put up my Christmas tree'.
Another post informed us that `Leaves fall in six weeks, Crisp mornings in 10 weeks and Lights glow in 14 weeks'.
I have to say, the posts prompted me into action and I decided to begin my 2021 plan of attack but it seems the end of August may be too late for some things.
I saw a post on Facebook about ordering elf arrival balloons - large bubble balloons with an elf in the shelf in the middle.
Thinking they might cause some excitement for the kids, I messaged the lady to ask the price.
I was quite shocked when I received a reply saying: "Sorry, all sold".
I just couldn't believe it.
There are also some online craft shops which I would sometimes order from that have begun advertising their 2021 Christmas collection.
I have made enquiries about a few items however have been advised that order books are filling up and so, I might not want to leave it too long.
Holy smoke.
As a result of realising I have fallen behind this year, I have spent the past few days trying to sound out possible gift ideas.
I've been surfing around, checking out what's about in the shops and have even consulted the list of top 10 toys which the stores believe will be on every child's list this year.
So far, I've bought one present for a friend, which arrived a few days ago, so that's something.
I even convened the family for a chat about possible Christmas outings this year.
In fact I got so anxious about booking something for us all that one venue called me back to say the event I was enquiring about was last year and this year's programme hadn't yet been revealed - I was so embarrassed.
Of course, Darren thinks I've lost the plot and keeps telling me there's loads of time but when you think about it, there are only five more pay packets before the big day.
I suppose I can see where people are coming from.
The past 17 months have been unusual and at many times, devoid of fun and things to look forward to.
It's no wonder some people are planning a big Christmas after what happened last year, and want to draw that excitement out for as long as possible.
Fair play to them.
Now I'm off into the attic to find my Christmas tree - well, I've got to be first at something.
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The new series of Married At First Sight UK is set to arrive on our TV screens soon and the first trailer promises the show will be well worth watching.
The men matched up this year include an electrician, a fireman and a charity worker while the women include a wellness coach, a sports journalist and a veterinary nurse.
Footage shows singletons rage and sob with one bride admitting "I didn't exactly get what I ordered".
Following their risky nuptials, the 16 contestants embark on a joint honeymoon where the drama reaches boiling point and screaming matches ensue.
I can't wait.
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Competition
With the end of the holiday period on the horizon, how do you fancy winning a "pleasant and engaging" read to help you make the most of what's left of the relaxing summer?
The Surplus Girls' Orphans by Polly Heron has been described as a "real page turner".
Manchester, 1922: Molly Watson has had enough.
Engaged for the last three years to a penny-pinching pedant, she finally decides she'd rather be a surplus girl than marry a man she doesn't truly love and joins a secretarial class to learn new skills.
When she gets a job at St Anthony's Orphanage, she befriends caretaker Aaron Abrams, however, a misunderstanding leaves them at loggerheads, and damages her in the eyes of the children.
Can she recover her reputation, her livelihood, and her budding friendship, before it's too late?
I have five copies of The Surplus Girls' Orphans to give away.
If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, August 24, 2021
(Q) Who wrote The Surplus Girls' Orphans?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the Beyond Skin Clinic competition are Nuala McKee, from Segahan, Rosemary Walsh, from Ballynagard, and Martina Campbell, from Belfast
