Life

It's never too early for Christmas

Christmas decorations
Christmas decorations Christmas decorations

I have never heard such negativity in my life before (well, except from the steps of Stormont, of course).

Once again, what should be a happy, cheery event has been brought down by the Bah-Humbug-ers among you and it’s really starting to grind on me.

Just two weeks ago, Halloween was upon us and all around Northern Ireland, ghosts, goblins and ghouls, young and old, were running around having fun, eating sweets, watching carnival parades and enjoying fireworks.

Within 24 hours however, it was all doom and gloom because people had started talking about Christmas - ooh, how terrible.

I really don’t know what the problem is.

On Halloween day, I had gone into Asda to buy some groceries and already they were taking down the scary decorations and hanging twinkly Christmas ones for sale.

It didn’t bother me - not one bit.

I don’t mind admitting I have always been a fan of Christmas.

Last year, I had all my Christmas shopping done well before the end of November. All the presents were wrapped and some were delivered.

My Christmas tree and decorations were up before December and all our Christmas cards were written.

Of course, the reason for it was that I was due to have Abbie in December and I wanted to try and get as much done as I could before I went into hospital. Even so, I am usually well organised.

I don't think there’s anything wrong with getting into the festive spirit early, however, I should make a teeny, tiny point here.

I think any time from around mid-November is acceptable to start displaying the garden Santas and reindeer. Before this is just a tad too early but come on, it's not the end of the world.

I really don’t think someone decorating their home and putting up their Christmas tree in November is any reason for moaning and groaning and general negativity.

Driving to work the other morning, the presenter on the radio was going on and on about people displaying Christmas decorations too early and how annoying it was.

Why is it so annoying to look at twinkly, coloured lights?

Why does a light-up Santa in the garden annoy people so much?

I will admit I have already begun buying new decorations and bought my first one the day after Halloween and I wasn’t the only one, the shop was busy.

A day after that, I bought more new decorations and I’ll be honest, I had made some purchases of decorations even before Halloween – oh dear, how awful.

I think some people really need to wise up.

There are some people in this world who love Christmas and really get into the spirit, what’s so wrong with that?

There are many people who have young families and big families who need to start preparing for Christmas early because they need to spread the cost.

There are some people with small children who torture them to decorate the house many weeks before Christmas – so what?

I am proudly talking about Christmas in work and I’ve already talked to Abbie about her letter for Santa a few times.

We actually made our booking to take her to see Father Christmas when I was off on maternity leave.

I’m a firm believer in being organised and perhaps if more of us took the time to get ready, there wouldn’t be so much stress on December 24.

So, to all of you who are already rocking Rudolph on your roof, I salute you.

Thanks for brightening up these gloomy, dark days.

And to all of you grumps moaning about Christmas coming too early, maybe it’s time you went shopping for a dose of festive cheer.

I guarantee Santa will be extra generous if you do.

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Finally, the wait is almost over.

It may have seemed like an eternity but now we can hear the call of the mockingjay.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 arrives at Movie House Cinemas next week and we have three pairs of tickets for the opening night screening to give away.

The wonderful Jennnifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen for one final powerful battle as she realises the stakes are no longer just for survival, they are for the future. With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow, played by Donald Sutherland, in the final showdown.

The fourth and final film in the franchise, Hunger Games fans have been counting down the days until the movie's big release and the wait is almost over.

Movie House Cinemas has been gearing up for months for the release with plans to screen all four films back to back as well as multiple midnight shows.

And we’ve got a treat for super-fans.

Movie House Dublin Road has given the Irish News three pairs of tickets for the 6pm screening on opening night, Thursday, November 19.

To see trailers and find out more go to www.moviehouse.co.uk

I have three pairs of tickets to give away to three lucky winners.

If you fancy winning a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is Tuesday, November 17 at 12Noon.

(Q) Name the actress who stars as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games films.

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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What's Hot

Festive - The Christmas market opens at Belfast city hall tomorrow as the Christmas lights get switched on. The Gruffalo will be entertaining the crowds as well as Captain Barnacles and Kwazii from The Octonauts. A great excuse to get in the festive spirit. Enjoy.

New Music - I am loving Fleur East's debut single `Sax'. I wasn't a fan of the rising star on The X-Factor but her new record gets me dancing every time.

Jungle Antics - I'm looking forward to the return of `I'm A Celebrity' this Sunday night. I love all the drama down under with Ant and Dec. Bring on the contestants and bring on the trials.

So Not!

The End - I'm sorry to see Downton Abbey come to an end after six seasons. I know the last two series lost their way a little but I will miss it. I'm looking forward to the Christmas special.

Disappointed - I feel a little bit disappointed about the new John Lewis Christmas ad, which tells the story of the lonely man on the moon. It's a nice idea and I like the version of `Half The World Away' but I feel the ad is missing a little festive something.

Stern - Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Connolly, who starred in A Beautiful Mind, has revealed she thinks her "stern" eyebrows have stopped her being offered more comedy roles. Oh dear.

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Competition

The winners of the Elemis competition are Sheelagh Loughran, from Cookstown and Aileen Hurson, from Dungannon

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Easy Peasy Recipe

This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Chocolate and Ginger Squares

You will need:

300g ginger nut biscuits, crushed

140g crystallised stem ginger, finely chopped

300g plain chocolate

100g diced butter

100g golden syrup

To Make:

Line a baking tin with baking parchment.

In a bowl, mix the biscuits with the ginger and set aside.

In another bowl, melt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup over hot water. Stir until smooth.

Pour this over the biscuit mixture and mix together.

Pour the mixture into the baking tin and smooth over the top.

Leave in fridge for two hours before cutting into squares.

Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?

You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:

Easy Peasy Recipes,

Marie Louise McConville,

Irish News

113-117 Donegall Street,

Belfast,

BT1 2GE

or

m.mcconville@irishnews.com