WITH the summer holidays over and kids back at school, it is like someone flicked a switch and said “right, that is it... bring on autumn".

So we are supposed to just pop the heating on and throw our flip flops to the back of the cupboard now, are we?

Someone I got chatting to in the gym this morning told me she had just packed her washing line away for the winter. First of all, who does that? Does she wrap it in a duvet and let it hibernate like a tortoise?Also it still appears to be pretty balmy out there from where I am sitting with plenty of dry washing days yet to come.

In fact as far as I am aware, this weekend is going to be a bit of a belter and we could well find ourselves slapping on the factor 30 once again and inhaling ice cream at Marocco’s.

I am taking it as a little bonus for us all to enjoy, maybe even a welcome distraction from all the chaos and drama happening around us right now, politically speaking.

Do not fret. I am not going there. It frustrates and infuriates me too much to even bother.

Back to September confusion, because that is what it is. Confusing.

It is that weird time of year where you have to dress for every eventuality.

Freezing in the morning, warm by lunchtime, chilly at night and the threat of torrential rain at any given moment, even if there is not a cloud in the sky. What is that all about?

You cannot fault our little island for its ability to surprise, but leaving the house with seven costume changes is not practical.

I am quite happy with a season change, but if it could be a little less drawn out that would be ace.

Of course the other thing quietly gathering pace in the background is the big C. And yes I am definitely going there, I make no apologies.

Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about the festive period and I knew, as soon as September arrived, I would start to spot the signs of early adopters.

I was not disappointed. It was actually August 21 when I first stood in awe at the entrance to a supermarket admiring the neatly stacked piles of chocolate tubs.

I do wish they would use tins... all that plastic... but still it was an early nod to December 25 and I got tingly.

Obviously it is a ridiculous notion that anyone would buy such a quantity of chocolate four months in advance and not polish the lot off, which of course is the reason they put it out so early.

The weak willed among us (me) are exactly their target, as they lure us in with those bright colours. I. Must. Resist. You may well have seen it, but there was a story this week about a Brighton hotelier who has already erected a festive tree in the lobby of his venue.

He hasn’t festooned the place with singing Santas and dancing reindeer, it is simply a modest display to entice customers to think about and book up their seasonal celebrations.

This is not uncommon in the hospitality industry at this point of the year and I have seen plenty of other restaurants and hotels with at least a board outside, or flyers detailing their Yuletide offerings.

Yet this little tree, for it is quite small, has caused uproar apparently. Some people commenting on the story have gone as far as to say they are offended by the decorative addition to the lobby, while others have huffily stated they will be taking their custom elsewhere. Really?

Are we that bothered by something that happens as standard at this time of year, every year, in hotels up and down the land?

There are far greater things to worry over and be offended by, I am quite sure of that.

Granted, not everyone loves the festive season as much as others and some of us are downright obsessed with it (guilty). But it is meant to be a season of joy so why not look forward to it?

There is so much misery and horror in the world, a sparkly little tree in a hotel reception really is not something to get one’s tinsel in a tizzy over, is it?

I understand the commerciality of it all upsets some as they feel it detracts from the true origins of the festival, but I firmly believe we should all enjoy it in our own way.

For most now, it is about family, fun and togetherness. That is a good thing.

Nobody is strong-arming you up the high street, demanding you start your shopping now.

Nor is it being suggested you only listen to Wizzard for the next 14 weeks, so maybe just let the anger go. You may or may not have noticed I did not use the C word once in this column. I would not want to offend anyone now, would I?