Poll: Christmas time hits Chicago earlier than usual

Driving the news: This afternoon, WLIT-FM starts its around-the-clock holiday music programming.

• Some downtown buildings are getting a jumpstart on Black Friday window displays and turning on their rooftop red and green lights.
• Costco has been displaying Christmas trees for at least a month.
• A new Mariah Carey-inspired Christmas pop up bar in the Virgin Hotel was announced today. It opens in two weeks.

The bottom line: It's Christmas time, whether you like it or not.

Reality check: I don't like it. December's whole identity is holidays, does it have to be November, too?

• During the pandemic, it seemed to start early because people really needed cheer, but like a tax hike, the extended season will never be repealed.

The vibe: Are we ok with the earlier start or is it time to stand up against it? Or is it a welcome feeling to usher in the warm spirit of the holiday season starting today?