I’m not mad – I realise it’s only September. But there are a mere 15 weeks on the calendar until the big day. 

It’s OK. I’m not that super efficient, I’ve only bought a couple of little Christmas tree decorations for the girls because they collect a series that might sellout if I don’t get in nice and quick. 

Even though spring has only just sprung, you can’t pop into the shops without knowing that the sparkly season is upon us. 

So, after perusing some of the 2016 gift offerings, Katianna announced that she doesn’t want Santa to come this year as she already has too much stuff. 

This non-materialistic young lady was immediately steered towards a charity to help those with absolutely no stuff at all – Operation Christmas Child.

In contrast, 10-year-old Tiani is already mentally writing her wish list for Christmas and is astounded at Katianna’s attitude. 

The baby of our family stated quite boldly that she wants Santa to keep coming until she is 35 … she then quickly amended that age to 100. 

Yasinta needs all she demands right now and would consider it obscene to wait three months for anything.

Or maybe it just feels like that because her requests are made so dramatically.   

Speaking of getting everything right now, I am well aware that there are those of you who have already finished your Christmas shopping – completely done and dusted. 

I can just picture you now, sitting back and smiling, sipping a cool fizzy drink in the heat of summer while the rest of us dash around here and there, fighting over shady car parking spaces. 

The madness does add to the excitement though, don’t you think?

Adding to the excitement and madness for me this year will be my involvement in the annual Carols By Candlelight celebration at Sawyer Park.

I have been offered the opportunity to help out with the stage decorations.

And I love to decorate!  Look out tinsel, here I come. But don’t worry, even though I am a tinsel tragic, I’ll try to contain that condition to my home. 

At present my head is actually spinning with rose gold fabric, fairy lights and stars – lots and lots of stars. 

I’ll be sure to keep you posted. 

Yolande Grosser