What does October mean to you? Perhaps a chance to dress up in ridiculous outfits, perhaps a chance to enjoy the fruits of Oktoberfest’s labour (responsibly), or perhaps a chance to relinquish that year-long wait and once again tune into Autumnwatch. However, to multi-million-pound making companies such as Boots and Asda, October screams, with big flashing capital letters: ‘Christmas!’ Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m no scrooge. The Christmas spirit is something which everyone should be a part off – this is a time when families, communities and friends come together to celebrate for their own religious or non-religious reasons. It’s time when people give a little extra and take a little extra for themselves; in short, a period of joyous excess and excitement. But I wouldn’t want to celebrate it every day. And I definitely don’t want to start celebrating it two months before the real festiveness commences.

It seems as soon as the clocks go back, the High Street chains become locked in a high-street battle to flog as much merchandise (which, as a matter of fact, no-one would dream of buying at any other time of the year) as they can. The adverts are intrusive, demanding and far, far too early.

Before the hype begins, we need to remember some of the other events which occur in the October and November months. Halloween, despite being despised by many (generally those who are boring or miserable) for being a ‘needless American import’ is now firmly integrated into our society whether we like it or not. This is the same for bonfire night. Both these nights are increasing become a time when people come together and enjoy themselves, and it’s this feeling of community spirit which needs to be maintained in the current financial climate.

November also gives us perhaps one of the most poignant annual ceremonies; Remembrance Day. Of great importance, especially considering the number of British casualties in combat this year, the services which are hold around Britain every year are a great example of what we do best. Our slightly withdrawn, delicate ceremonies perhaps show more dignity than those of our American cousins, and I strongly believe this is something that we, as a nation, should maintain. However, this cannot be kept up with the abundance of Christmas lights, decorations and offers which are appearing every up and down the high street. Whilst I may seem miserable, I can assure you I do still want a white Christmas. I just want to enjoy my Autumn before I do.