Look around the Chicago area and you'll see all the signs: The early birds no longer wait until Black Friday to do their Christmas shopping.
This year, Black Friday is on Nov. 23, but big retailers and mail-order companies are starting well in advance. Amazon, for example, is beginning its Black Friday on Nov. 14.
Crazy or crazy smart?
Just how early is too early to shop for Christmas 2012 gifts? Take our poll.