CHRISTMAS is here. We did the scary spooky stuff, then set fire to things, and for most of us, there is nothing left on the calendar until the big day.

Shops have already started the onslaught of snow and trees, and I’ve already thought about gifts. Weirdly, I’m looking forward to it more this year than I have for about ten years. I don’t know how or why, but I got a shiver of festivity the other day. I was walking to the bus stop, and I suddenly thought ‘Ooh, it’s nearly time.’

I always like Christmas in Wellington. Lovely lights, lovely tree, it’s just a nice place to be. And, because global warming has completely torn our weather and climate to shreds, we might get a White Christmas. According to the Met Office, our last White Christmas was in 2010. And I know that snow isn’t nice for everyone, I understand that, but a little dusting in the garden on Christmas morning can’t do anyone any harm. It’ll even match the cards on your windowsill.

And it gives you an excuse to forgo the traditional post-lunch walk, and instead settle into a turkey-and-spuds-induced coma in your favourite chair with your paper hat sliding down your nose. You could even be softly crooned by Michael Bublé, if the mood takes you. Go on, you only get to use that album once a year. Treat yourself.

Oh, I’ve come over all seasonal now.

John Gilding