MOST of us won’t even start thinking about decorating for Christmas until December is well under way.
However, for Hannah Bartlett, 43, getting in the festive spirit happens a little earlier.
There has been a 167 per cent increase in searches around ‘early Christmas decorations’ in the past month as more people than ever are looking to embrace seasonal joy a little in advance.
And Hannah from Surrey did exactly that when she decorated her tree in October and intends to keep it up all year round to bring the festive cheer 365 days of the year.
Hannah explained that her passion has taken on a life of its own and now Christmas is a year-round project for her.
She says: “My sister Jo Beker, 33, and I love thinking about Christmas so much.
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“We’ve always been Christmas obsessives but over the last few years, we are those people who shop for baubles in April and menu plan in July.
“We don’t go all out on the full festive experience until nearer the big day itself.
“So actually it’s just these little touches of North Pole magic sprinkled throughout the year instead which provide a fabulous escape from the daily grind.
“I gave up worrying about Twelfth Night years ago as I always struggled to get everything down in time so why not go all out.”
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While Hannah’s partner Pete is entirely supportive of her Christmas enthusiasm, she admits not everyone is as convinced.
“Having a Christmas tree in the front window year-round certainly proves quite the talking point with delivery people and visitors,” she says.
“Everyone who visits the house is bemused.
“We’ve had a few “Is that really a Christmas tree in your hall?” and double takes. But I’m known as Mrs Christmas among friends so it doesn’t really surprise anyone.
“My sons have definitely perfected the Christmas Mum eye-roll and are happy to groan about another Christmas decoration appearing or project underway!”
Like the rest of the country, Hannah will be impacted by rising energy costs this winter which will impact her unusual festive light display.
She explains: “I feel very fortunate that I will be able to keep our Christmas lights on this year – everything looks prettier by the glow of the Christmas tree lights – but will certainly be more mindful of the financial impact of our festive indulgences.
“At least LED lights help out a bit! We love getting creative with Christmas anyway so this year will be about making our current decorations work harder for us.
“For example tie a scarf around a cushion and you’ve got a Christmas present cushion.
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“And all these paper decorations, lights, etc. on the market now that are just celebratory rather than any particular season are brilliant for repurposing all year long.
“It makes sense from an environmental and economical point of view to do that anyway.”
Hannah and Jo run a Christmas themed blog, Jolly Festive – you can read more on their decorating tips here.
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