I remember in my childhood days at Christmas time, my father would go down to the market on Christmas Eve and purchase a tree, never more than five feet tall, and carry it back for us to decorate that evening. I still have some of the tree decorations from that era, hand-painted lanterns. God forbid, but we had little candles in holders on the tree, which we lit for a short time. Think of the fire risk. The tree would barely last till the 12th night, depositing needles all over the hall carpet.
Now Xmas starts in the shops in October or earlier. The radio plays festive songs throughout the month. Trees are going up at the end of November. Some of the houses around are garlanded from floor to roof, all flashing lights and blown-up Santas. No doubt they will be setting off fireworks soon. Not far away, ‘German Markets’ are selling cheap plastic Chinese trinkets.
But I’m not a complete Scrooge. Even if the festivities have lost their meaning, it is good to see some sparkling cheer in these winter months.
We are only a small town, once a village even, and don’t have a civic Christmas Tree. But for years, shops on the high street in Berry Lane sprouted Xmas trees from their walls. Health and safety have intervened, and some of the brackets supporting the trees have been judged unsafe. So no trees this year. Someone has stepped in to give the street a festive cheer. A local artist, apricotsulphurdesign, has painted some shop windows with Christmas scenes. Other shops have done their own decorating.
On a shopping trip, I wander into town. Why not take a photo of the windows as I go? Along the way, giving a nod to our varied independent businesses.
Excuse the glass reflections.
Ignore my imaginary header image; this is what it really looks like. 
Best wishes for the season to anybody out there.
I love this, the window decorations are all great and you got some good photos in spite of a few reflections here and there – particular favourites are Tap & Vent, the barbers and Applejacks. I’m only just catching up after a very busy month – have a lovely Christmas BC and give the cats a cuddle from me 😊🎄
All the best to you Eunice.
Those cats get cuddles all the time.
Merry Christmas BC 🙂
Best wishes Tony and good luck with your contnuing journey in 2026.
Hope you and the cats had a great Christmas. Longridge looks very festive. I remember us having some candles on the tree when growing up, though luckily they were never lit. Think they heralded from my Mums childhood.
Yes, all the best to you and Will in the new year.
As I understand it, going back, celebrations were over the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Day (or Christmas Eve when the tree went up). These days the timeline seems to be reversed with the day itself being the culmination of an extended build up. Round here a few (only a few) people even had trees up in October before Halloween.
Commercialisation is taking over all our traditions. Easter eggs in the shops this week.
That’s not a surprise!!