View from V2 Radio - Christmas starts earlier than you think! – By V2 Radio’s Peter Gordon

Well, now it’s October, and I’m going to do something daring! I’m going to mention…….Christmas!

For some people, Christmas only begins when December arrives. For others, the excitement starts much earlier—and there is nothing wrong with getting into the festive spirit in October. In fact, preparing for Christmas early can make the whole season feel calmer, more enjoyable and much less stressful.

October is the perfect time to start making plans. With plenty of weeks before Christmas Day, you can spread out the jobs that might otherwise become overwhelming. Writing a gift list, setting a budget and thinking about who you need to buy for can help you avoid the last-minute rush. It also gives you more time to find thoughtful presents rather than settling for whatever is left on the shelves.

Starting early can be particularly helpful for Christmas decorations and cards. Perhaps you want to make homemade decorations, send personalised cards or create something special for friends and family. Beginning in October means you can take your time and enjoy the process instead of trying to complete everything in a frantic few days.

There are practical benefits too. Buying a little at a time can make Christmas spending easier to manage, while early preparation can help you spot bargains and avoid unnecessary purchases. You can also organise travel plans, check important dates and make arrangements with family before calendars become crowded.

Most importantly, preparing early does not mean Christmas has to arrive early! You can enjoy the excitement at your own pace. October can simply be the month when you quietly get organised, ready to relax and enjoy December when it finally arrives.

So, whether you are already planning your Christmas shopping or simply making a list of ideas, remember: October is never too early to prepare for Christmas. A little preparation now can leave you with more time for what Christmas is really about—family, friends, fun and making memories.

Look out for V2 Radio next month celebrating various local town Christmas light switch-ons.

Listen to Peter Gordon’s 80’s Express every Wednesday from 7pm on V2 Radio, broadcasting across the South on DAB, smart speaker and via the V2 Radio APP.