We've had some pretty good Christmas giveaways around the net, this year. Renderosity's list is full of items which aren't just for Christmas. Other sites veer towards the heavy snow genre, which will be current events for a couple of months. But how many people are going to be able to use the Christmas-specific items before next Christmas? I know I was posting some Christmas cards in November, and all the rest have posted. All those new-item-every-day Christmas-specific promotions -- they're too late to use now. I suppose it's even worse for somebody who might see a commercial opportunity. Think of the lead-time on all the Christmas adverts, design and printing and distribution; and then you want those happy Santas on show in time to persuade people to buy Christmas presents. Of course, the primary purpose of these freebies is to persuade us to keep looking at the sites, and buy things which are not at all Christmassy. So I suppose they're working. But if I can't use them until next year, why bother looking now?

I think each place I've been has something or other that is not just xmas related. In fact I'm pretty sure of it. As for the Christmassy thing, I dunno maybe, but I for one have toured numerous stores since the giveaways started, especially when I see something by someone that I feel is especially nice (even if I don't download or need it) then I gotta go see what else they have done lol. So I'd say overall everyone benefits, those of us who recieve the free items especially and I'd hope the merchants and others who share their work at no cost would get a new customer or two. So why bother looking now? Cause ya just never know what awesome goodie, or merchant you might find! ;)

All of it is perfectly on time.... for next year!

Christmas stuff is useful even after. I use some of the stuff year-round. Give most a new texture and it fits well with any occaision.

BTW some freebies are not offered again the next year. So pick some stuff up now if you like it.

Quote - But how many people are going to be able to use the Christmas-specific items before next Christmas?

I'm finished all my Christmas themed stuff for this year, but there is always next year. And because I now have so many more nice Christmas items, I can get a big jump start on next years Christmas themed stuff. So it's all good :)