Did I miss the memo?! At some point over the weekend it seemed as if the world put the Christmas jumpers on, and the Christmas lights up. My evening walk home from work is now a twinkling West End wonderland of trees in tenement windows, railings adorned with festive branches, and fairy lights trailing around doors and windows. I love it.

Such an early start is so out of character for Edinburgh, and is indicative of how keenly we are all looking forward to celebrating the season. We are seeing bumper sales of Christmas cards - especially cards to send to families and friends who are separated, shielded and absent. Messages of love and hope for a better year ahead. Messages of optimism, and congratulation - and relief that 2020 is passing! If the pandemic has taught us anything, it should be that we should never take normal for granted ever again.

Pass on your love and affection to your family and friends, Step Into Christmas and send your cards!