The nights have drawn in. Turkeys are drawing up their wills. It is time once again to insulate the loft and tinsel-ate the walls.

Everything at this time of year is a little bit shinier, a little bit more glittery, a little bit more fun. We may pretend Christmas is all about the children and the giving, but secretly we love the sparkle and silliness of the festive season, not to mention the mulled wine.

Polar bear that lights up? Sorted, courtesy of Marks and Spencer. Glitter reindeer? We thank you, Wilkinson.

Want a totally over-the-top but utterly adorable bauble Christmas tree? Get yourself down to BHS.

The darkness outside may prompt you to splash out on a flashy tree. We particularly love the pink one from Marks & Spencer, but then we also love Christmas lights that flash in time with the music. And why opt for a white fluffy angel perched on top of the tree when you can have a modern one from Mamas & Papas that will also double as a beanie toy?

For those of you shuddering at the non-traditional offerings (although we reckon a polar bear fits seamlessly into the nativity scene), go along to House of Fraser for oak leaf garlands, cute striped stockings, pine cones and fat church candles, and add in a friendly round robin. No, not one of those annoying family newsletters sent once a year by people you met eight years ago on holiday and haven’t seen since, we’re talking about the very sweet Lisa Stickley robin money box.

Also going traditional this year is Matalan with old-school soldiers to guard the tree and its huge choice of baubles, from sequins to delicate wires, and of course you must not forget the advent calendar — the British Heart Foundation is among charities selling them this Christmas.

All that is left to do is to put a wreath on the door and hang up the odd stocking or three for Santa before sitting back with a mince pie and admiring what will be your slightly over-the-top but nevertheless festive home for the next few weeks.