Album 1 of the season

I have had to re-calibrate my seasonal longings based on the balmy mid-November weather.

Well aware of the dangers of over-playing some of my festive favourites, I always try to delay my first annual viewing and playing of my most beloved Christmas music and films until the weather is sufficiently depressing and the 25th of December not so ridiculously long off that I have to conceal my indulgences for fear of seeming totally irreverent or just generally insane.

Waiting until the season of Advent commences to spin my Christmas Vinyl, for example, would really be more appropriate than using November 12 as a kick-off date. However, I am lucky enough to count as close friends a gaggle of individuals who year after year affirm my longing for seasonal cultural materials in November and suggest that it's acceptable to watch Muppet Family Christmas or listen to Kenny and Dolly, or Rita, any time after Remembrance Day.

So, despite the absence of snow and sleet, let the games begin!

This year, the first selection to suffer my turntable is Charlie Brown's Christmas. The Vince whatever-his-name-is trio never disappoints. The album is great studying music: an incredible, child-like catharsis comes over me while listening to the carefree piano and peeling a clementine.