When I saw the Christmas tree images appear on my Instagram feed last weekend, it was the weirdest thing. There are usually key milestones that I associate with the Christmas period officially starting.

• The Coca Cola Santa ad.
• The Toys R Us ad.
• The John Lewis ad.
• The turning on of the Christmas lights on Oxford Street.
• The discussion of office secret santa gifts.
• The office Christmas party.

Since this all began, I’d lost track of the days and months. Somehow it was December. Somehow I’d missed the first five things on the list. But, the work party? No, no, no. I was not going to miss this.