It’s tradition to put the tree up 12 days before Christmas. But Hannah does things her way….
Holding the mic to my mouth, I turned to my sister, Jo, and smiled.
‘Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose’, we warbled, as the music played.
Aged 14, it was Christmas Day and four-year-old Jo and I were duetting as Mum made dinner and Dad stoked the fire.
Handmade paper chains hung across the wall, and the tree sparkled.
The festive season was a special time of year as Dad was off work and the four of us spent quality time together.
As we moved into adulthood, those fond childhood memories stayed with us and shaped our love for Christmas.
It was my favourite time of year. Jo and I would spend it together and buy each other unique baubles every year to hang on our trees.
So, I was super-excited when I got married to my husband, Pete, during the festive season.
At our reception, we sipped mulled wine while listening to carollers sing.
'I can't believe it, it's snowing!' I exclaimed to Pete, as white flakes fell all around us.
Then, two years later, we had a baby boy, and a couple of years later, we welcomed another son.
I couldn't wait to make special Christmas memories with them, just like the ones I'd enjoyed growing up.
In time, Jo moved to the US, and with us leading separate busy lives, it seemed so much easier to start planning Christmas earlier in the year, so we chatted about gifts in April and meal planning in July.
Then during the pandemic, with some extra time on my hands, I started learning website design as I’d always loved the idea of having my own business.
‘I’m going to write a Christmas blog,’ I told Jo over the phone.
‘That’s a great idea,’ she exclaimed. ‘I’d love to be involved.’
We agreed we wanted the blog to be full of ideas to inspire people on how to make their Christmas magical.
We named it Jolly Festive and used it as a platform to share festive news, ideas and inspiration.
'Is that really a Christmas tree in your hall?'
With Jo and I living on either side of the Atlantic, our passion project was the perfect antidote to our hectic lives, and kept us connected.
From finding thoughtful and affordable gifts, to ways to spread the Christmas spirit, the festive season was now on my mind all year round.
If I was out and about, my family got used to me wanting to hunt down the nearest Christmas shop to see if I could get my hands on any festive bits and bobs, mainly to be inspired for the website.
Sometimes, I’d even do it on my summer holiday!
Pete was supportive but it certainly raised an eyebrow whenever my sons saw me in full Christmas mum mode.
Many times, they walked into the kitchen and found a Christmas explosion on the floor after I’d made my own festive wrapping paper, or tried out a new recipe, like chocolate candy cane cookies.
'Not another Christmas project,' my older son said, rolling his eyes.
One day, I bought a Christmas tree to use in photoshoots so I could create the ultimate yuletide backdrop for my blog photos.
However, over time, I found it easier to keep the tree up, instead of forever taking it down and putting it up again, so I left it in the hallway.
It started becoming a topic of conversation whenever I had guests.
'Is that really a Christmas tree in your hall?’ my friend gasped, as she walked into my house for a catch-up one spring day.
But my loved ones weren't too surprised — after all, I was known as Mrs Christmas!
One day, in the heat of summer, my postman clocked the tree and looked confused.
I had to laugh.
People who didn't know me most likely thought I celebrated Christmas 365 days a year!
But even though I thought about Santa and mince pies all year round, I didn't personally put up our own tree and decorations until nearer the time.
Jo and I both have other jobs, but one day I would love to make Jolly Festive my full-time gig.
I feel lucky to be able to work alongside my sister to help people create magical memories at Christmas.
We think of ourselves as real-life elves, busily working all year round to help people create their perfect celebration.
And, as the song goes, I really do wish it could be Christmas every day!
Hannah Bartlett, 44, Runnymede, Surrey
For more Christmas inspiration, go to jollyfestive.com