It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Normally I don't put the tree up or start feeling festive until 17 December - when we were kids, the tree went up on 17 December as a special treat for Amanda's birthday and we were all allowed to decorate it.   Then, when Amanda was allowed to make her own choices, she declared that Christmas didn't start until 18 December, once her birthday was celebrated!   I love the tree, but I get a bit fed up with the house being upside down, so generally it then comes down on Boxing Day.  I'm so bah humbug!

This year, however, the tree went up on 3 December which was quite a shock for me - I was hosting the December meeting of the Knitters with Attitude (post to follow!) so wanted the house to be all festive, with the tree up, a massive beef stew smell wafting through the house, mulled wine, etc.

And, since the tree went up, I'm actually feeling very festive.  I've nearly finished the presents - all the ones I have bought have been wrapped up and over at Mum's out of the way of snoopers - namely, Amanda! I just have a few more to make - lastminute.com - but they're pretty quick and easy.   

I'm not convinced I'll put it all up so early again, but I've really enjoyed it this year.  I'm becoming an old softie!