What p*sses me off: Hot cross buns before New Years

I was sitting here eating breakfast this morning when what did I see but this… and I have to say, it kind of annoyed me.  Hot Cross Buns used to be a symbolic, memorable and even special part of the easter tradition, not an over-commercialised baked good available all year round at the supermarket.  If they are going to be this, why not take the crosses off them and sell them as fruit buns…

But they probably don’t sell as well as the ones with the crosses on.

How do you feel about Hot Cross Buns being on the shelf before New Years Day?  Is it our fault as consumers?  Are we buying so much of this stuff that the supermarkets would be nuts not to bake them all year round?  

When do you buy your first Hot Cross Buns of the year?