As if Christmas is a surprise each year? Guess what: it happens on 12/25. A little planning, and you get your product to retailers prior to that date. It reminds me of nothing more that folks who have to be at work at 8 am but don't leave till 7:45 so they can sleep a little more. Sure, they can make it on a good day, but why not plan ahead?
Sorry: this isn't rocket science. It's habit bolstered by inertia. It's also a serious misprioritizing in our culture, which makes retail into a god.