I personally think it's a bit early for decorations, yet most people I know have begun putting them out, and the christmas lights are on in town.
I have to ask, since when was the 8th of December Christmas? I may just be an old scrooge, but I personally am of the opinion that decorations should not be put up until the 20th of December at the earliest, and should be down by new years day.
You see, the way I figure it, you have no reason to get excited until the roughly the very week Christmas lies on, and after the Christmas and boxing day parties you need a day to sleep off your hang over before the decorations come down.
I mean, I love Christmas (it's the second most cynical holiday out there, the most cynical being valentines day). Getting free stuff is great (even if it means I have to give the odd item in return), but jesus-louise, this year is just the same of every year before it (economic woes not withstanding), most of us have seen Christmas plenty of times, we know what to expect...it doesn't warrant a month-long build-up any more than your birthday or Easter does <_<
Rant over, now entering "!@#$% I'm going to get flamed for posting this" mode...have a nice day.