‘It feels like Christmas starts earlier every year’

‘Obviously, retailers are quick to switch into present buying mode as soon as possible but I also have friends who have had their tree up since November,” writes Home Editor Robyn Willis.

Merry Christmas. Picture: AP/Ahn Young-joon

I don’t know about you but it feels like Christmas starts earlier every year.

Obviously, retailers are quick to switch into present buying mode as soon as possible but I also have friends who have had their tree up since November.

Even though we won’t be hosting the family for Christmas lunch — my sister has generously offered to do the honours this year — I’m also inclined to make the house as beautiful as possible for the season.

This is, in part, because I’ve been diving into images of some of the beautiful interiors and exteriors from homes overseas but also because my kids are well past the age where everything had to be made of plastic or positioned high up enough to avoid disaster.

I’m aware too, that as they grow older that keeping the family together on Christmas Day becomes more of a challenge.

So, with each passing year, those rituals of bringing everyone together around the table to celebrate the season take on more significance, even without the pleasure of watching small children unwrap their presents — only to play with the boxes they came in.

● The Daily Telegraph’s home magazine will return on January 5, 2019. Until then, Merry Christmas, and if you have any lifestyle news tips, email [e-mail]