I actually don’t think it is ever too early to talk about Christmas. I love Christmas. But I have taken soundbites from my fellow travel journalists and a resounding cry of “NO, you can’t write anything yet” warned me off. But are they wrong?
Don’t sensible, budget-conscious families plan ahead? Doesn’t everyone want to have something to look forward to? After the summer holidays, isn’t it the next break many working families will get off? And, what’s more, are all those people who won’t hear the word Christmas mentioned in August just being humbugs?
And then there’s, dare I say it (yes I dare) Christmas shopping! Well, as soon as we get any Christmas shopping deals, such as to Bruges, above, I promise you they will be going straight on YourHols. First release about a Christmas market has just come in, but then Bath (www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk) is renowned as the best in the UK. Further details later but if you want to pop it into your diary it is running from November 28 to December 15 and will be bigger and better than ever this year.
The first Christmas release came through on August 6, from the New York Manhattan Hotel (www.thenewyorkmanhattanhotel.co.uk) who are offering rooms from £109 per person per night between December 1 and 14 and for £70 between December 15 and 24, valid for stays of a minimum of two nights in a room with two double beds.
Premier Cottages (www.premiercottages.co.uk) were hot on their heels encouraging people to book a large property for a family or friends’ festive get-together and Paultons Park in Hampshire are already promoting their Santa’s Christmas Wonderland (www.paultonspark.co.uk).
Too early? You tell us. Meanwhile, I’ll just dig out the tinsel!
