It's official: Christmas has come early this year. In among the bleakness, shops are launching their festive food, we're watching Christmas films and - apparently - people are hanging their decorations a *whole* lot earlier this year.
Yes, one has decided to hang his Christmas lights up a whole two months early in a bid to cheer up his neighbours.
Ian Cochran, 68, has been lighting up his house in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, at Christmas time for 35 years - but usually hits until December like most.
However, the granddad-of-two decided there was no time to waste this year and got his decorations down from the loft in mid-September.
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By 1st October, the lights were ready to be switched on, much to the delight of the neighbours and children on his road.
"We find it very gratifying seeing the reaction to people of all ages enjoying them," Ian said.
"I thought about it early September knowing many people will be depressed with dark winter nights approaching and possibly no contact with anyone then, and nearer Christmas, with their families.
"It makes us feel happier knowing it's brought some smiles during these troubled times."
Ian's proud wife Helen, 68, added: "The lights have been going up for 35 years.
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"We started in our last house, and then moved here.
"People are coming out to look at them.
"Somebody was dancing outside,
"Ian put them out to cheer people up."
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Ian is hoping businesses might be able to sponsor the running costs of the lights, which are only being switched on at weekends in the run up to Christmas.
Helen added: "You should hear the kids screaming.
"One car was pulling up and as they pulled away, another was pulling up.
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"It is a bit of cheer."
Well no one would say no to a bit of that!
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Christmas, Life News, Life