Edwina Bartholomew: Christmas decorations all year round are pure genius

I always thought people who didn’t pull down their decorations after Christmas were a little batty – until now, says Edwina Bartholomew. Take our poll.

There is a Christmas house in our neighbourhood, one of those homes where the lights are on all year round and the decorations never come down.

I’ve always thought the owners of similar homes were a little batty but now I think they are pure genius.

How many people do you know who have already put up their Christmas tree?

It’s a “thing” this year as people try and put the worst of 2020 and 2021 behind them.

The usual bah-humbug stories of banning Christmas carols in shops before a certain date, wiping Mariah Carey from the playlist and only selling mince pies in December just aren’t getting as much traction this year.

Instead, we are embracing Santa and all of his helpers with open arms.

Let’s face it, the festive season is a welcome change after months of Covid headlines.

Most families can finally reunite across borders this Christmas and relatives can fly in from overseas making it even more merry.

There is a feeling of hope … and impending insanity as we start planning menus and presents and who is going to whose house.

We are still too young in our household to really understand the concept of a giant man in a red suit coming down the chimney with a sack of presents.

Go on, put the tree up and start your Christmas cheer early this year. Picture: iStock

We are also a little way off bribing the kids with a miniature elf on the shelf; although I do applaud parents who carry this concept to the nth degree – green elf milk in the fridge, snowflakes on the benchtop.

I’m still going all out.

I have officially purchased my first packet of mince pies (they are already gone. I’m pregnant. Don’t judge me), the tree is ordered and so is the ham.

Edwina Bartholomew has already unpacked the ornaments. Picture: Supplied

In terms of presents, I’m trying to be more conscientious.

We are following the “Want, Wear, Need, Read” philosophy; something you want, something to wear, something you need and something to read.

Sadly, that level of restraint does not apply to decorations.

I’ve already unpacked the ornaments and I’m that close to wearing my Christmas sweater inside with the aircon on.

So, let me be the first to say Merry Christmas in November.

And come July, if you see the twinkle lights are still up at my place, just smile and know I’m inside drinking eggnog and couldn’t be happier.