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 …