N ow, nobody loves Christmas more than I do. I start dressing up as an elf in October. I mention turkey brining in June.
I “feed” my Christmas cake (correct, it’s inedible) for months and our house is covered in tinsel from November 1. You know that Mariah Carey video when she is sitting on a piano wearing a fur-trimmed Santa’s Little Helper outfit in a house that looks as if it’s being held up entirely by fairy lights? That. I get out the kids’ personalised stockings about now and retrieve the Christmas peacock (it’s a long story and, in his defence, my son was four) from the attic to give it a good brush down as soon as it’s crisp and cold outside.
We listen solely to Tim Minchin’s White Wine in the Sun and every conversation ends with “ho ho ho”. I love the build-up — which is why I adore winter so much. So, yes, this is normally when I recommend a cosy scarf, blanket or trusty pair of gloves.
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