I love the dark evenings too, the max potential for cosiness - candles, twinkly lights etc. Dark wintry nights with the wind howling and rain coming down just demand it!!
IT's going to feel quite strange I'm sure in a few weeks when the clocks are adjusted and we vault into light evenings.
Still getting good use from penguin motif flannelette pjs, and the nordic mugs are in daily use.
For the Feb Rudolph day made good use of left over dried cranberries: into the Magimix with desiccated coconut, walnuts (again post Xmas) and dates, blended into chunky pieces then formed wholesome energy balls. Definitely visitor/gift worthy and have noted the combo. Began a v early draft of Christmas family meals - it is as yet too early to call but we may end up this year at SIL on the day itself, in which case we will rerun the day wholly to our tastes on the 26th.
As far as when the Christmassy anticipation starts to build - firstly am loving that peeps can be excited from Solstice day - which I feel to be the start of high summer, and yet, yes indeed the nights do draw in and at this point we are moving defiantly closer.
For me, I am influenced by the cultural cues - the mood that shifts distinctly after Hallowe'en, which is when I give myself permission to go 'full blown', ie start rewatching Nigella, James Martin & co. And writing and rewriting lists in earnest. I think the darkness and onset of cold weather really are a trigger to focus on something bright and hopeful. A midwinter season of feasting and merriment!!
I will enjoy Christmas in July too!! And throughout the year I have no problems watching a themed movie at any time, to connect to the sentiments of the season.