Okay, I’ll admit to it, I’ve started my Christmas shopping and so far it’s going well. I’ve grabbed a few bargains and am feeling fairly confident of getting it all done sooner rather than later. Yes, my aim is for the first time ever not to be buying and wrapping presents on Christmas Eve as is always my way.

I’m coping well with the festive adverts on the television, I’ve got my outfit sorted for the work’s Christmas party and I’ve even bought some cards. I find this year’s a bit like a runaway train; there’s just no stopping it as it gathers speed and will eventually come to a crashing halt when it hits the wall that is Christmas Day.

I’m already looking forward to the day after all the excitement. Boxing Day, with its cold meats, salads and mashed potato is for me far more preferable to the turkey and trimmings of the day before. There’s also the possibility of a nice bracing walk to try and see off some of those celebratory calories that get consumed at this time of year.

‘Tis the season to be jolly’ and now that Halloween and Bonfire night are firmly over and done with, it’s almost time to get those decorations out of the loft and the mince pies made. I have just one rule in our house at this time of year, there are to be no Christmas songs or music played or sung, until the first weekend of December and to this end I’ve once again had to hide the ‘Rat Pack Sings Christmas’ album.

However, my other half is a big fan of the festive season and loves to bellow out a festive tune so he thinks he’s found a way round the Christmas music ban. Whilst he’s not allowed to sing out loud he’s got the miming of ‘Frosty the Snowman’ down to a fine art and is now working on his silent rendition of ‘Santa Baby’ – I can’t wait!