If, like me, you need a bit of help to get into a festive mood there are loads of Christmas events in Bristol this year.
Ice-skating, while it's not something I'm particularly good at (I'm always worried about my fingers), seems to give me the festive spirit and is one of many Christmas events in Bristol.
There's an ice-rink at the Mall in Cribbs Causeway. I love getting wrapped up in woollen scarfs and mittens and getting rosy cheeks as I desperately cling to the sides trying not to knock over any children.

I always try to get to the Enchanted Wood at the National Arboretum, but I missed it last year. If you've never been, what they do is illuminate all the trees as well as putting on carol concerts, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. It has to be one of the top Christmas events in Bristol. This year they're putting on workshops about how to make natural Christmas decorations, which has got to be worth a try.

Brunel's ss Great Britain is another venue hosting some great Christmas events in Bristol this year.  They're planning gift-making workshops, which are perfect if you've got a relative who's got everything.

And to cheer you up just in case the doom and gloom of the credit crunch is getting you down the comedy club Jesters have a whole load of dates dedicated to the festive period called Christmas Stand-Up and Get Down.

Jongleurs are also hosting a comedy night for Christmas, which includes a three-course meal. But one place I will be heading, because they've got some of the most original Christmas events in Bristol, is Start the Bus. They're holding a Christmas fair fundraiser on December 6 with mince pies, Christmas cards, gifts, clothes, toys and handmade bits and bobs. And later on in the month, December 20, they've got a great event called What A Drag Christmas Party with a dress-up box!