We're very nearly in December – from next weekend, thousands of people will be clambering into their lofts, braving the insulation and balancing a torch in their mouths as they shove a box of decorations through a too-small hole, crushing the poor person holding the stepladder below.
In fact, I have heard shocking stories of people with their trees and decorations up already! Now don't get me wrong – I like Christmas as much as the next person, but your tree up in November? Are you a retail store? I think not.
Anyway, time to get off the soap box. For 'the holidays are coming' and Bishop's Stortford is gearing up to the festive season in style. Over the next couple of weeks, there is a feast of events and activities that are sure to appeal to all ages and tastes.
Here's just a selection:
This Friday 30th November at Manor of Groves Hotel in High Wych, Sawbridgeworth, is the Snowflake Ball – a charity event that is being held to raise vital funds for the Herts Air Ambulance.
From 7:30pm until 1am, guests are invited to put on their very best finery, enjoy a drinks reception, three course meal and then dance the night away, all for an incredibly good cause.
Tickets cost £60 per person.
On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December 2012, Hatfield Forest is playing host to the big man himself, Father Christmas! At the end of the Magical Trail, Santa will be in his grotto, ready to meet and greet you with gifts, crafts and a biscuit for all the children included in the £6.80 ticket price.
Also on Saturday 1st is Northgate School's Christmas Fayre. Starting at midday until 3pm, come along and enjoy Wii and Xbox games, fairground rides, crafts, stalls, a visit from Santa and a BBQ, hog roast and bar.
Again on Saturday is the Lights of Love Ceremony at Sawbridgeworth – a very special event hosted by Isabel Hospice.
Come along to Bakers Walk, Bell Street from 4pm until 5pm to remember and celebrate the lives of those loved ones and friends who are no longer with us. Each light on the tree will symbolise a special person that is unable to be with us this Christmas.
There will also be a short service of remembrance and carol singing.
Fast forward to Saturday 8th December and from 10am until 12:30pm at St Michael's Church, Windhill, Bishop's Stortford, there will be a Christmas Holly Fair. In addition to a wide range of stunning wreaths available to buy, the kids are sure to love meeting Father Christmas and taking part in the fun activities organised just for them.
There will also be charity and craft stalls.
Get into the traditional spirit of Christmas on Sunday 9th December at St John's Church from 7pm until 9pm, where the Cantate Youth Choir will be singing a mix of traditional and modern Christmas carols during a very special concert.
Advance tickets cost £12 per adult, £10 concessions and £5 for under 18s.
