You don't have to be Einstein to know time bends and warps. At this time of year, without fail, it speeds up. Or at least it seems to.

If June and July take an eternity to pass, November and December rush past in a flash.

The horse race runs and then the human one begins - the annual sprint towards Christmas and New Year. It occurs on the same date every year but Christmas takes many of us by surprise. And that's despite retailers doing their best to remind us the festive season is coming - and we should turn our minds to boosting their profits.

This year, they got in early. Through October, gingerbread men and Santas fought for shelf space with goblins, skeletons and plastic jack o'lanterns. Reindeer jostled with bats and witches. Holly and spiderwebs went head-to-head.

It's not your

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