EXCLUSIVE: It takes self-confessed festive fanatic Joanne Smith, 41, an entire year to plan extravagant decorations for her Essex home. Here, she reveals how she does it...
"When mid-November arrives, I can finally get my Christmas decorations out of the double garage that I had purpose built for festive storage.
My husband, Andrew, thinks that figure is a low estimation and says he’d love it if I only spent that much in reality! He knows I’m quite sensible with money though, and I don’t tend to treat myself to extravagant purchases or dress in designer labels. But when it comes to Christmas, I just can’t resist. It brings me so much joy and gives me a child-like excitement.
I remember all those years ago, when we were in our new house, a baby on the way, just wanting to make the first Christmas there as special as possible. I named my baby son Joseph – I chose a Christmas biblical name, of course. He definitely enjoyed all this growing up, but he’s less interested now.
We’ve recently built a bar in the garden, so I had a new place to dress. I put my 6ft Harrods bears in there – they’re real show-stoppers and I got them for my birthday last year. I treated myself to a new life-size nativity scene too, which has gone in front of the house. It’s nice as I live opposite a church and religion is very important to me. I help them decorate their tree each year. The OAPs think I’m bonkers.
When I got older and our business [Joanne and Andrew own a building company] became more successful, I started to spend more to make it even more special. I know how lucky we are to be in this position – my son wants for nothing – so I do try to share our good fortune. I buy advent calendars for all the children in my village, and invite to take pictures with my Christmas display. They’re all very supportive of me.
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