Keep Christmas off the shelves until Nov. 12, votes Gander council

A town council in central Newfoundland has voted unanimouslyto keep Christmas advertising out of area stores until after Nov. 11, arguingthe early messaging"takes away from the meaning of Remembrance Day."

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Gander council passed the motion on Nov. 9.

Councillorscan't force businesses to follow an advertising schedule, so Gander Mayor Claude Elliott said he willwrite the premier and prime ministerfor help implementingthe new timeline.

'Ample time' to shop

Elliott said Nov. 12 until Dec. 24 is "ample time for people to get their shopping done."

"All we're asking is,can we take a week and just pay more respect for our military and bring out no Christmas stuff until after Nov. 11."

The mayor suggestedbusinesses could offer discounts and sales specifically for veterans during the week of Remembrance Day.

Too much, too soon

Elliott said he often sees Christmas ads and merchandise before Halloween is over.

"I'm surethat we don't need to start advertising and selling Christmas stuff in October."

Elliott said he hadn't discussed the decision with the local chamber of commerce, but believes the conversation could spark change.

"This is not about telling business how to run their business and that We're living in a free country where it's up to them what they want to do."