Things We're Thankful For: Nordstrom's "One Holiday at a Time" Policy

Retailers have been slopping their Christmas come-ons into the weeks before Thanksgiving since at least 1986--that's the earliest citation Word Spy has for "Christmas creep," the retailers' own term for the phenomenon.

The exception: local customer-service nirvana Nordstrom.

As reported on Consumerist and elsewhere, Nordstrom hasn't put up their Christmas decorations yet. But they have posted signs explaining why: "We just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time."

Reaction is mostly positive. Typical comment: "I think it is a wonderful idea. I have never been to any of their stores because there just aren't any in my area. However I'm going to make a special trip just to show my appreciation."

Synergy Consultants wrote an accolade that looks like poetry but doesn't quite scan like it. We think they're in favor.

As are we. Thank you, Nordstrom. Not only will you give people refunds for tires they didn't buy from you,* you won't prematurely subject your customers to "Jingle Bell-fucking-Rock" or gratuitous displays of Rudolphesque entertainment or Santa's politically incorrect laugh. You may disappoint Lauren Graham's Kringle-philic Bad Santa character (perhaps you're just teasing her?), but you make us wish we could afford buy gifts for everyone on our list at your establishment.

We believe our heart has grown three sizes today.

*Yes, we read the Snopes link. Yes, we think it's apocryphal, too. Still, we print the legend.