It’s the same every year. Walking through the cold November streets tutting and grumbling about the Christmas decorations going up too early. Refusing to engage with the thought of shopping for presents.
Then, as if by magic (name that children’s programme) on the first day of December that tingling feeling starts. That little flicker of excitement. And I start thinking about presents. And eating mince pies. And digging in the back of all the cupboards to see where I hid the decorations last time.
I did actually lose them completely last year. We had to leave the country. I’m not even joking. When my husband suggested we go away for Christmas, I said yes immediately because I was thinking I couldn’t cope without the box of decorations that we have painstakingly added to every year since the boys were born.
I have found them again now, so order is restored to the universe. But I like to buy one or two new things every year to add to the collection. And Ikea is often the place I go for something pretty and affordable. I bought a string of their white flower lights two years ago and wound them up the bannisters. They’re still there.
This year I think I might buy one or two of these star lights. Not least because the gold one looks so stunning against the black wall. And I do have a black wall, or four, as you know. They’re made from shiny foil paper (hence the price) but measure a metre across so they’re a fantastic size.
I’m thinking a group of three on the black wall. Or, there’s a floor lamp too for £18. I quite like the idea of removing the usual standard lamp and replacing it with something festive for a couple of weeks.
So come on people, who’s in the mood now?