Life

Marie Louise McConville: Christmas in November - why not?

Comedian Katherine Ryan is among a host of celebrities who put up their Christmas decorations seven weeks early. The 39-year-old is pictured with her daughter, Violet and partner, Bobby Kootstra
Comedian Katherine Ryan is among a host of celebrities who put up their Christmas decorations seven weeks early. The 39-year-old is pictured with her daughter, Violet and partner, Bobby Kootstra Comedian Katherine Ryan is among a host of celebrities who put up their Christmas decorations seven weeks early. The 39-year-old is pictured with her daughter, Violet and partner, Bobby Kootstra

There may still be 43 sleeps to go until Christmas but it seems festive fever has arrived early and taken a firm hold.

Usually, when I mention anything Santa-related at the start of November, I get a collective and very loud "ssh".

However this year, it seems I'm somehow late to the 2022 yuletide party.

Social media is buzzing with celebrities who have already gone all out for Christmas.

Comedian Katherine Ryan, TV presenter Rochelle Humes and former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, are among those who have already put up their Christmas trees - seven weeks early.

It is no secret that I love to be prepared for Christmas and especially love the run up to December 25, though not the actual day, but is seven weeks not a little too early to be decking the halls?

Former singer Rochelle took to Instagram to at the weekend to show photos of her grand decorations.

Standing in her hallway, glistening gold and red baubles as well as giant pine cones adorned her magnificent Christmas tree.

Posting a message, the mother-of-three wrote: "If you don't like it when people celebrate Christmas early then look away now..."

Former soap star Helen Flanagan also took to Instagram to show off her living room where a towering tree stood, with silver ribbons, silver baubles, and quirky trinkets on it.

Posting alongside the photos, Helen wrote: "I know I'm really early, but I was so late with my tree last year and the girls love it".

Comedian Katherine Ryan, who is expecting her third child, also got her decorations up early.

An image uploaded to social media showed a decadent door display as well as a silver `Merry Christmas' balloon and gold and purple tinsel with fairy lights.

And celebs aren't the only ones getting festive really early.

My Facebook last weekend and this week has been filled with posts from people who have also put up their Christmas trees and decorations.

Many of those posting cited the same reasons - because life is tough at the minute and this is a way to bring a little bit of happiness.

And, really, I couldn't agree more.

I couldn't wait to take down our Halloween decorations and get them packed away because for me, that means the run-up to Christmas has definitely begun.

And, only for the fact that I can't physically reach up to open the attic and depend on Darren to do so, there's every chance he could have come home from work in July and our house would have been a festive wonderland.

So what if it's weeks early, I understand why some people have chosen to just get on with it.

Times are hard at the moment and anything which brings a little bit of joy is to be festively welcomed.

Here's to cosy nights amid the twinkly lights - even at the start of November.

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W5 has unveiled its magical Christmas programme for 2022.

From November 26, Northern Ireland's award-winning science and discovery centre is offering visitors the chance to enjoy an array of seasonal experiences, including a visit to Santa, a brand-new immersive theatre show and a magical reading of a Christmas classic.

At Santa Square, visitors can take a stroll through a festive kingdom where a series of merry window displays and twinkling lights await.

And, there's also the chance to visit the North Pole Post Office and take part in a snowball fight - indoors.

Full details are available at w5online.co.uk/blog/2022/an-enchanted-christmas-at-w5

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Competition

If you're looking around for the perfect gift for the young person in your family this Christmas, how about the debut novel by TV presenter and YouTube sensation Adam B?

Described as a hilarious and heart-warming tale of wish-fulfilment gone wrong, Adam Wins The Internet will capture the imagination of 7-11-year-old readers everywhere.

Everybody dreams of becoming a superstar YouTube sensation, but for Adam, a penniless, camera-less nobody, with only one friend, it isn't just a dream.

That is, until he stumbles across the mysterious Popularis Incrementum website.

When he accepts a mission to reach one million subscribers in one year, it becomes clear that he has bitten off way more than he can chew, and his life becomes one epic fail after another.

Fortunately for Adam, he still has a trick or two up his sleeve...

I have three copies of Adam Wins The Internet to give away.

If you would like the chance to win a copy, 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 noon on Tuesday November 18.

(Q) Which age group is Adam Wins The Internet aimed at?

Normal Irish News rules apply

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winners of the Unravelling Alice competition are Siobhan McGurk, from Castlewellan, Liz McWilliams, from Kilrea, and Patricia McMullan, from Magherafelt