Here's how to spot a HENRY (that's high earning, not rich yet) at Christmas. The crackers are a dead giveaway...

Here's how to spot a HENRY (that's high earning, not rich yet) at Christmas. The crackers are a dead giveaway..

. By ANNABEL ROBERTS Published: 20:43 EST, 22 December 2024 | Updated: 20:43 EST, 22 December 2024 e-mail View comments In my corner of Oxfordshire, it seems Christmas is a competitive sport. It's always easy for the truly posh to spot the nouveau riche trying just that bit too hard – and this year, the upstarts have a new name.

Trying-to-be-posh pretenders are now known as HENRYs, or to give them their official classification: High Earning, Not Rich Yet. Some play a convincing hand most of the year, but at Christmas, their inner Hyacinth Bucket often gives the game away. Not to be confused with the classic Hooray Henry, who is proper posh and couldn't hide it if they tried, HENRYs can be identified quickly and easily at any Christmas gathering – here are the top eight instant giveaways.

.. DECK THE HALLS WITH DEAD GIVEAWAYS Nothing says HENRY like a strict colour theme and/or excessive and super-neat decoration.

They're trying too hard. Elaborate outdoor decorations are a giveaway, and none more so than those done by the professional decorators they hire. (It's no coincidence that many of these decorators' websites show mock-Georgian, not real Georgian houses).

For the truly posh there must be nothing outside the house except a chic wreath on the door. Or at a push, a Cox & Cox garden tree lit with white lights. Only.

Inside, the Hooray Henrys will have a real tr.