Decorating for Christmas before Remembrance Day may be festive for some, but also frowned upon by many veterans, even called disrespectful.
Local veteran volunteer Linda Iler says she "cringes" at the sight of holiday decor before November 11.
"I just walk down the street, looking at all the Christmas decorations thinking 'can't you wait just another couple of weeks,'" she says. "Do the veterans an honour and respect them before you go into a Christmas theme."
"Be thankful that you can do Christmas in December."
Some veterans, like Mike Lepine who served in Vietnam, aren't opposed to decorating for Christmas before November 11. He says just don't turn the lights on until after.
"It would show that your mind is not on what this time of the year is really all about," Lepine says. "From October 31 until November 11, poppies are the number one thing."
Sometimes businesses are criticized for stocking the holiday spirit too early.
Shannon Gilbert is a business owner and on the board of directors for the Walkerville BIA. She says retailers are often asked why they put Christmas items and decorations out well before Halloween.
"With there only being a November and December window for you to try and sell all of your Christmas goods and have a good holiday season, it doesn't leave you a lot of time," Gilbert says.
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