When did the 12 days of Christmas become three months, wonders Eve Jones. And can anyone resist temptation for that long in a bid to fit in their party pants?
THIS year, John Lewis launched its Christmas department in September. September? Not even Father Christmas is thinking about Christmas in September. He’s just packed up from an Icelandic salmon-fishing expedition and is on a pre-season, high-protein, lowcarb diet to make sure he gets his belt done up and to stave off recurring gout issues.
Call me boring but the good old 24 days of advent (opened daily with a proper calendar, none of this chocolate nonsense) and 12 days of Christmas are plenty for me. Our mum maintained a manageable balance of excitement and sanity throughout December. We wrote elaborate letters to Santa and were so excited we fought over who opened the calendar doors to see if there was a robin or shepherd behind it. We weren’t allowed to decorate the house until days before Christmas so there was brilliant, glowing hysteria by Christmas Eve. How dull it would have been strung out over four months.
But there we are, the festive period now seductively jingles its ditties at us for a third of a year and we lap it up joyfully while buying the latest in new and improved tinsel, superior baubles and spruce-scented accoutrements to make Christmas really special.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من The Field.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2017 من The Field.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays