Where Mrs J lives it’s dark right now. Not as dark as back in Scandoland. But dark enough. What we need, desperately, are some Christmas lights.

On Sunday it’s 1st Advent. Which means we get our wish. It’s finally socially acceptable to turn on the lights. And golly gosh, it’s not a day too soon!

Seriously, Mrs J likes a autumn. It’s a time to cosy up in the late afternoon with some candles, a good book and a bowl of good stew. Brilliant crisp and clean autumn days where the colours just pop out at you are fantastic for walks and running.

After Halloween though, prolonged periods of dark, rainy, sleety, foggy, cold weather tends to make Mrs J just that little bit more grumpy. Please note: She didn’t actually promise to love the sleet this year. That was last year. 

But never mind the recent grumpy weather. The Christmas season is about to officially start. Mrs J is really looking forward to it. Let’s break out the saffron, cinnamon and cloves! Let’s crack some nuts! And above all, let’s turn on those twinkly Christmas lights!