Right, first things first: yes, it's still September, and no, you didn't fall asleep and wake up on December 1.
I'll grant you though that it does seem Christmas announcements are coming even earlier than usual this year. Already, we've been treated to the news that a 24/7 Christmas movies channel is being launched at the end of the month and now, on September 19, we're bringing you news of an advent calendar.
Although this is not just your every day, run of the mill, small squares of chocolate advent calendar. No, this is something far more exciting and grown up.
One mom has already put her Christmas decorations up - three months early:Yes, Costco's beloved wine advent calendar is returning to stores admirably early, to give us all an optimistic kick in the midst of surely the strangest year anyone can remember.
Sadly, opportunities for celebration have been few and far between this year, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic representing a very real and present health danger to us all and the related social distancing measures rendering many hobbies impractical or obsolete.
As more and more of us spend longer hours in the comfort and safety of our own homes, brands have been jockeying for position to deliver products that enhance our home lives. Aldi, for instance, brought back its immensely popular budget hot tub, as well as a 10ft swimming pool, while Warner Bros. announced that Harry Potter fans in the United Kingdom can now get Butterbeer delivered directly to their door.
But if your spirits are still in need of a little pick-me-up, then Costco might just have the answer for you in the form of their wine advent calendar.
Spotted by popular Instagram page @costcobuys, the advent calendar is back and retailing for $99.99, per a post on the @costcobuys account.
"It’s back! ? A follower sent us these photos of the Wine Advent Calendar Costco carries every year, found in the Paradise Valley, AZ location! This has 24 half bottles of wine from tons of different countries and regions! ?($99.99)" an image of the calendars is captioned.
Per Delish, each calendar features 24 half-bottles of wine for you to enjoy throughout December and promises a "journey from coast to mountain and every corner in between," according to the packaging.
At present, it's not known whether the calendar is only available in certain regions, but at the least it's a positive sign that this festive season will feature the staple advent calendar for adults. Since the Arizona location the calendar was spotted in was selling the wine advent calendar for just under $100, it seems likely that price point will remain roughly the same at other Costco stores.