Things are a little spooky out there right now in retail land. Friends and family have been sending us images of huge Christmas tree displays already up in October and light-up snowmen living on store shelves directly beneath haunted house signage.

It’s Christmas in October, and apparently, Halloween, too. But does mixing these selling seasons cause consumer confusion? Or even worse, resentment? Many stores now start trotting out the Christmas merchandise in September, and with holiday sales accounting for a big chunk of annual revenue, it’s no wonder retailers are hedging their bets.

According the National Retail Federation, about 40% of consumers begin their holiday shopping before Halloween. Two big reasons: To spread out holiday spending and stock up on cards and decorations well before December 25.

But even if consumers are buying early, many told us it’s just plain irritating to think about the holidays out of order. The shoppers we reached out to described this merging of the seasons as stressful and told us it spoils the fun of both holidays and confuses kids. As one woman put it, “No one is in the Christmas spirit in October.”

At least some shoppers picking up those glass bulbs or felt stockings in October feel bullied into pulling out their credit cards. “I hate it,” one consumer told us. “It gives me anxiety, and you know what? If you don't shop early, items run out.” Another person echoed those same sentiments, “If you do not buy Christmas in September, it will be sold out! I think that’s the biggest problem, you need to think way ahead! Makes me sick!”

And here’s one more way this trend erodes consumer goodwill toward retailers: Some people might be frustrated if they can’t afford to splurge on Halloween and Christmas items at the same time. These shoppers may leave stores without buying either holiday or end up spending money on Christmas cards instead of that witch costume. In some cases, one holiday may just end up cannibalizing the other.

With this consumer backlash in mind, maybe more retailers will take a cue from Nordstrom. The department store famously waits until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas.

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