Christmas cheer has taken root early this year for one Radio 2 presenter, who recently shared her festive preparations with her audience. Woken late at night by the sound of a delivery lorry, she discovered her husband, Sam, had begun the Christmas food shopping on November 26. As she navigated her home transformed into a holiday wonderland in the early hours, she embraced the chaos that marks the beginning of her favorite season.
The presenter, who has a passion for all things Christmas, expressed her delight in an article reflecting on her early decorations and preparations. For her, the joy of the season is not just a matter of aesthetics but an essential antidote to the long, dark winter months. She noted that the festive spirit, which she describes as “joyfully chaotic,” begins in her household well before December, often making her the first among friends to set up the decorations.
A notable aspect of her enthusiasm is her husband, Sam, who shares her love for the holiday. Together, they create increasingly elaborate displays each year, with decorations such as oversized bows that have drawn attention and comments from friends and fans alike. Her commitment to early decorating has not gone without criticism, however. Etiquette coach William Hanson recently remarked that putting up a Christmas tree in November is “as common as muck,” sparking discussions among listeners about holiday traditions.
The early Christmas preparations serve a practical purpose for the presenter, who is also involved in theatre productions. This year marks her third consecutive year performing in a pantomime, where she plays Mayor Mills in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Wycombe Swan. With multiple shows a day, her schedule leaves little time for traditional Christmas festivities. By starting her celebrations in November, she ensures she can enjoy the spirit of the season, even if her actual Christmas Day is limited to a brief respite from work.
Research indicates that early decorators often report higher levels of happiness. Psychologists suggest that engaging with holiday traditions can evoke nostalgia and provide a welcome distraction from everyday life. The presenter echoed this sentiment, sharing how her bright decorations uplift her mood during the darker months.
Listeners of her Radio 2 Breakfast Show, dubbed “Christmas Creepers,” largely support early decorating. In a recent poll, approximately 70 percent of respondents indicated their approval of starting holiday festivities early, with some even enjoying a nightly Baileys, affectionately referred to as “Irish Christmas Milk.”
Social media also plays a role in the festive conversation, with friends and followers interacting with her holiday posts. Comments range from playful jabs about her extravagant decorations to inquiries about where to find similar items. Among her supporters is Alex Jones from The One Show, who reached out for decoration tips, highlighting the community formed around shared holiday enthusiasm.
At the heart of her Christmas spirit is the joy of gift-giving. She invests considerable time in selecting thoughtful presents, wanting to make each recipient feel special. Despite the playful jabs from critics, she embraces her identity as a “Christmas Creeper,” unapologetically celebrating the season in all its glory.
As her preparations continue, she plans to enhance her festive display further, humorously noting that while she loves decorating, she draws the line at tinsel. With each new addition, she embodies the spirit of Christmas—one that welcomes joy and togetherness, regardless of social conventions or criticism.
