After strolling along the lively environs of Grafton Street, it just hit me like a bombshell… Christmas is officially coming whether we like it or not!

The wafting notes of Aled Jones singing that song from ʻThe Snowmanʼ hit me instantaneously when I jumped off the Luas in Stephenʼs Green. He was walking in the air, and I almost felt the same.

I was giddy with the sights and sounds and had to have a sitdown in the park and watch the pigeons frantically pecking for
some tit-bits… I think even they know Christmas is en route. My own feelings are full of expectations and closeness with families, friends, relations, new loves etc… Iʼm not a Scrooge myself, I might add.

Christmas brings us all closer together and with these times weʼre living in, we all need each other… hang in there, folks!

There were tourists galore strolling along Grafton Street and also through the Green. The shops are all wearing their best bib and tucker, trying to catch the punterʼs eye– the Christmas cards; Santa hats; tinsel; Christmas crackers; cuddly Christmas toys; trees completely decorated with silver bows in shoe shops, flashing xmas trees. Letʼs hope itʼs all worth the effort.

No stone is being left unturned. Even beyond the city centre, Phibsboro, Rathmines, Ranelagh etc… the Christmas trees are ready and waiting to be lit up!

The displays are extremely impressive and especially the beautiful poinsettia plants on display in the shop windows. My mum always has one on display on the festive dinner table. It brings such warmth and a homely atmosphere to Christmas.

Brown Thomas have surpassed themselves with their window display this year and have taken on the theme of spending Christmas at home.

I spoke to their concierge, Jim Kearns. Dressed up to the nines, complete with top hat, he cuts a memorable figure. He saidGrafton Street becomes particularly exciting in the yuletide season, with all sorts of celebrities popping in to get their pressies.

The quirky artefacts in the window are amazing. Quite hardto describe, they consist of mannequins, perfumes, make-up displays, gift boxes and, of course, Santas of all shapes and sizes.

I had the treat of receiving a bunch of holly berries from the store to get into action for the forthcoming yuletide!

Letʼs keep our chins up for this forthcoming Christmas. We have to make the best of it, and not let ourselves go underground! Seasonʼs greetings.