The Woman who Lived in a Shoe floatIf you are wanting to get into the Christmas mood there are plenty of entertaining activities to get you in the groove over the next six weeks.

Christmas markets always make me feel I’m on the way to being organised for Christmas and they’re great if you like craft, but like me you’re not much good at it. This year there’s going to be a Christmas Market Fair at Addington Raceway, a twilight one called Christmas on the green at Sydenham and an All I want for Christmas market at Shirley Intermediate School Hall.

Music is a great mood setter too and again there’s lots to choose from. The CSO is offering A Cantabrian Christmas and the City Choir is giving its traditional performance ofHandel’s Messiah.

If you prefer to make your own music try Carols in the Community or Carols by Candlelight, or maybe just get some library CDs and sing along at home.

And of course the kids would never let you forget the Santa Parade. This year it’s in Riccarton, but you could create a refreshing change of routine by trying the ones in New Brighton or Rangiora.